Yeah mate it was a fun week. Basically a bought a fairly nice 2001 Focus and thought I'd just give it a full service. Mileage was at 75K so wanted to do timing belt too.

My mate restores Porsche and TVR engines so I thought it would be a doddle! (So did he). After the timing going tits up (but it still running - just like a dog) we eventually did timing again and it sorted it. Second time round learned that its best to use a timing pin! DOH! Went for a test drive and drove like a dream - then as he pulled in to the workshop and had it idling, something slipped and it conked out. He said two of the valves are fairly damaged and other ones have been hit too. Slight mark on piston heads but because it was just idling I guess it doesnt do as much damage as regular driving.

We're sourcing a new head or thinking about just replacing the valves (would this suffice?) - but need to find out compatibility!

Of course he's paying for all of this Just annoying not having a car!