Hi Guys
The girlfriends eldest has got a fiesta 1,25 zetec on a 51 plate. Its started making a very sick noise, mechanic has looked at it and says its a shell ? and its not safe to drive as its close to seizing up ?
Help and advise needed please chaps.

 

Im sure you cant get shells for these but I could be wrong lol.

 

You can buy the shells but you will more than likely find its also put a lip on the crank which you cant get out to get reconditioned, from what I remember as it was about eight years ago they have a plate welded over the end of the crank to stop you dropping the crank out. Easiest option is a new engine.

Its a Common failure caused by running on wrong grade oil...needs 5/30 synthetic or you will blow the big ends...my brother did 2 engines in his old 1.4 zetec both went just after doing oil changes using the cheaper and thicker grade oils, wasn't till I spoke to a engine blue printer that worked at Ford Dunton and he told me it was because due to this reason, the thicker oil cant get back down to the bottom of the engine quick enough to stop oil starvation

 

If it's any use I'm scrapping a 1.25 zetec due to being rotten, engine and box are superb! they both have covered 65k if your interested pm me