focus pipe ? (pic included)

yes

:) ooo I got something right today lol ... what exactly does it do / what goes through this pipe ?

I notice the end on the right side goes to the bottom of the airbox to something I *thuik* is called a pcv filter ? no idea what that is ?

Do this pipes ever need removing and cleaning or if they get blocked is it just simpler to replace.

it does not go to the pcv valve.

the pipe you have marked in red is an open breather which goes from the engine top cover (often called the cam cover) to the bottom of the air filter, inside the air filter casing is a small sponge which traps dust and grit. a new sponge comes with a new air filter.

I have never seen this pipe on this engine block up or give trouble, if you can blow through it easily then it is okay.

The pipe for the pcv valve does give trouble, it runs from deep down at the back of the engine bay from the inlet manifold and comes round to a metal pipe which is below the coil pack. The pipe has a habit of splitting and sucking in air. A new one comes from fords and IIRC is about 15 quid or so.

Ahhh I see I thought that was called a pcv doodah ... charming the air filter I bought from eurocarparts did not come with this sponge ... I knew I should have paid the extra for a genuine one. I guess this time round I'll just give the sponge a handwash and dry it and put back.

On ukmkivs (golf forum) I read a few sotries of blocked breather pipes literally on twice though causing running problems, but aparantly as you say its a rare problem. I guess I'll leave it alone :) .. remind of the moment I thought I'd clean the throttle body on my old mk4 golf and basically broke the throttle body from doing it. Turned TPS sensors/electrics aswell did not appreciate a carb cleaner shower. I later learned I was supposed to spray a bit on a clean cloth/rag and wipe around the throttle body and then get the TB realinged if need be. Is that the same on the focus regarding cleaning the throttle body which I was told is good course when servicing it or will this end horribly again... sorry to go OT

Very handy to know! its these little faults that can prove handy to know for a diy-er/enthuasiast :)

I guess the symptoms of this pipe cracking would be eratic idle ?

Do not clean the throttle valve, there is a even a label on it warning you not to.

First thing I would check would be the pipe at the back of the engine. with it idling stick your arm down and find the pipe, give it a good prod and wriggle, failed pipes develop a split that is sort of spongey. Any change in running speed will show there is a leak, you should also be able to hear it, spraying carb cleaner on leaky pipes or connections will also show it up as a change in idle. Some 1.8 focus have two blank pipes (near the rubber pipe) and the blanking plugs break up with old age or get knocked off, again the spray will show this up

If the engine is misbehaving at driving speeds then the suspects are plugs, leads, coil pack . in that order. Genuine parts are best.

The throttle body is coated; some solvents will remove the coating, making things worse.

It is perfectly possible to clean it to resolve a problem *provided* the right technique is used.

My 1.6 Focus came with a throttle that stuck closed slightly, giving the symptoms of a partially seized throttle cable, and making progress in traffic very erratic. Once I realised that the throttle body was significantly coked up, I tried various solvents on a cotton bud in a small area. I eventually discovered that isopropanol would remove the deposits without damaging the coating.

The results were outstanding, and saved a considerable amount of money. Two years later, it's still fine.

YMMV!

Chris