Flashing oil light and grinding noise in my Focus?

Just organised a holiday in France to discover that the oil light in my Ford Focus (2001) flashes every now and again - usually if I need to brake heavily.

I added a litre of oil two weeks ago and checked the dipstick this morning which showed no sign of oil at all. Added another 1.5 litres today and still does not register on dipstick. There is no indication that any oil is leaking on to the ground and I'm at a total loss. Only other change is that it sounds like a grinding noise when I accelerate.

Asked on 12 June 2013 by observatory

Answered by Honest John

Obviously it would be foolhardy to take the car in this state. It is probably using oil because the valve stem oil seals have failed, and the lack of oil in the engine may have led to other problems. The oil light indicates lack of oil pressure, indicating either extreme lack of oil or oil pump failure. But if the light is off when the engine is full of oil then the oil pump is probably okay. Get it to a garage for a thorough check. If the valve stem oil seals can be replaced with the cylinder head in place it will probably cost you £300 - £400. If the head has to come off, a lot more - plus a new timing belt.

Tags: oil technical issues

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