Thanks guys...my timing belt is fine though.  They checked it, and it
has nothing to do with the broken piston rod.  Apparently, it was just
an accident waiting to happen and I couldn't have known it was going to
happen.  Pisses me off!

I recently wrote to Honest John the motoring guru from the Daily Telegraph.

Dear John, I recently purchased a 51 plate Ford focus estate fitted with a
TDDI CI diesel engine, when I asked the salesman the mileage at which the
last timing belt had been fitted I was told that it had  been changed 28,000
miles previously and that cam belts on these models only require changing
every 100,000 miles, however in your review you state that diesel belts
should be replaced at 35,000 mile intervals.

"What to Watch Out For" "See Recalls. Some fleets reckon on just 60,000
miles for Zetec E timing belts and idler pulleys. *35,000 miles still max
for diesel timing belts*". I've checked up on various vehicle forums on the
net and so far everyone has confirmed the 100,000 mile interval is the
correct one, so is your information wrong?

He was kind enough to reply with the answer: "100k recommended by Ford. 35k
recommended by me on basis of failures."

HJ

put a second hand lump in it then u r back on the road..

The cam belt on my 2000 zetec (16v) is guaranteed for 100,000 miles but my
tensioner failed at 70,000 and bent all 8 exhaust valves - they did not want
to know either.

MC

Its a disposable car. You got your money's worth.

I'd send it to junkyard rather than repair it for $8,300.

Last Friday night my 2001 Ford Focus's engine died on me.  Apparently,
there is a broken piston rod, which ended up causing a cracked block
and a hole in the oil pan. The kicker is that my 100,000km warranty
JUST expired 1,542 kms ago.  This just can't be right!  Even the guys
at the Ford dealership I had my car towed to are flabbergasted as to
how this could have happened and are pretty sure it's no fault of mine.
I have NEVER missed any regular maintenance on the vehicle, there were
no oil/fluid leaks, smells, noises and no indicator lights came on to
warn me of any problems.  My car was just at Ford in May (prior to
hitting 100,000 kms) gettting the fuel delivery module replaced (for
free) on a safety campaign, and at the same time I had them go over my
car and do any maintenence that needed to be done (replaced spark plugs
etc...$400 in maintenance).  My car was hooked up to the diagnostics
computer and the only problem they found was that they confirmed my
engine hesitation problem was due to the faulty fuel delivery module.
I also had just gotten and oil change about 2,000 km before that, and
have had it done since that service.  I always use the reccommended 87
octane (Chevron), and always check my oil (I've never had to fill it).
I am the one and only owner of this car. I drive it every day to and
from work (about 6 kms each way), plus I make at least one out of town
trip (on the freeway) each week.  I park the car inside most of the
time and the weather here (Vancouver, B.C.) doesn't really get that bad
that it would affect anything.

I'm in for a huge battle with Ford as I was advised today by Ford Motor
Company (Canada) that Ford is flat out REFUSING to help me out with the
cost of the repair, which might I add is a hefty $8,300 for a new
engine (including labour), because I am passed my 100,000km warranty
peroid!   My family has been long time Ford customers (including using
Ford trucks for my Dad's fleet of work trucks), but that's all changing
now due to the HORRIBLE service I received today on the phone.  The
dealership I'm dealing with has been GREAT, but Ford has been nasty.

So, what my question to you is...What in the hell would have caused the
broken piston rod?

If anyone can offer any words that would help me in my battle with
Ford, I would really appreciate it!  I don't want to use the lawsuit
card unless I have to.