Well...
We got a used Mk2 Ford Focus 1.6 (100ps) 2.5 weeks ago. First registered Nov 2005, so still under Ford's 3 year warranty (specifically went for this age car for this reason).
Drove it for a full tank without issue, including a long drive to/from Birmingham (I'm in Surrey). The next day (day before Good Friday) it started misfiring and the engine light flashed a bit. I read the fault code and it said misfire cylinder 2. I took a look and all the plugs/leads were in rusty water. Looking online, this is apparently a common issue on this model. Took it to Ford on the Saturday who said you'll need to book it in, so did, earliest was yesterday (31st).
Got a call yesterday saying it was the washer jets leaking into the wells and that they'd need to order some new jets and replace the leads etc. I wasn't sure if they said they would replace the plugs, but I hoped they would as I'd heard bad stories about the water in wells issue causing the plugs to rust and the ceramic core to get fired out! Getting them replaced now would be good I though - but I don't remember them saying they would replace them.
Today, expecting a call to tell me to pick it up, instead I just got a call saying it's going to be a bit longer as they had a problem working on it this morning. Apparently one of the plugs snapped off! He said it was not uncommon and that they needed to get the head off and a contractor is coming in tomorrow to remove the remains of the plug. Then they need to refit the head, replace the timing belt etc.
I'm quite relaxed about all this as, I believe, it's all being done under warranty. In fact, I'm quite pleased! Nothing has been said to me to suggest that I need to pay, no mention of any prices or costs (not for the original work, or for this work) - and in the past, whenever I've put a car in a garage they've always phoned me with the price before proceeding. I assume that this should still be the case - right?
My only concern is that it has been serviced at non-Ford garages in the past (with the 'Ford parts used' box ticked) - but other than that, the mileage/dates are all to spec. Is there any chance that they could turn around and get me to pay for the work? Paying for the jets/plugs/leads is one thing - stripping the head etc is quite another league for costs. As I say - not one mention of cost has been made since I dropped the car off.
I say I'm pleased as if a Ford guy could snap the plug, then I probably would have done it too! And I suspect that, had Ford done it during a normal (out of warranty) annual service, I would be expected to pay for the work, or at least, something towards it. The problem may be related to the leaking jets issue - but he did say it was not uncommon on these cars. If it really is not uncommon, could it happen again in the future (assuming the water in wells issue is fixed, so no more rust/water there).
Finally, is there any issue with removing a cylinder head? Could this be the start of future problems down the line?
Thanks
David