i have owned a 1.6 se focus and that one at 60K chucked a rod out the block. cant remember what number it was now tho as it was a few years ago. That was driving down a by-pass at 70mph with no signs or noise it just let go.

Also have a 1.4 complete engine which also through a rod aswell, i stripped the 1.4 and it looks like the small end ( piston side) had seized up.

ive also heard of a few other se engines putting rods out the block !!!

Somthing to do with oil ways and also im sure its only the 2L zetecs that run oil spray onto the back of the pistons mainly for cooling but it would maybe help the se with the problems ive came across.

currently about to build another se for rally car project.

As for oil , yes i agree they say use 5-30 but at high temperatures and no oil cooler the oil must be breaking down so much that its like water. So maybe 10-40 or somthing that bit different after a heat cycle wont break down so much. With the se engines running solid lifters cam buckets dont need to fill up to keep tappet noise away tho sticking valves is also an issue.

interested in others thoughts

jamie