I have a chance to pick up a 99 ZX2 base model at a steal...... maybe. The reason I say maybe is the reason it's only $500: When the car is first started, smoke comes out of the crank pulley. The belt is not slipping. After 2-3 seconds, the smoke stops, but the pulley wobbles. A lot. I think I know what is going on, but I was hoping someone here would KNOW what was going on, and that maybe it's a typical problem area for the Zetec. So, if you know what is going on, please clue me in. Thanks!
Mike
My first guess would be the balancer is shot, but if you're not that lucky it could be the crank.
That's the problem. If I can be certain it's the balancer, I'll get the car. If there's a strong chance it's the crank, I'd pass. I'm thinking that since it starts out straight and burning, and then falls into the wobble, that it is probably the pulley (balancer). So far a scan of the Focus and ZX2 sites has proven futile.
Mike
I'd agree on the balancer pulley, but even if its deeper than that, how tough can it be to find a used Focus motor?
Pretty easy, but it doesn't realize my goal of a cheap beater.
Mike
Mike, if you dont squeeze the trigger on it can you give me the heads up on that car?
Will do. What will probably happen is that I will buy it, and if the motor is toast, I'd resell and try to recover. The car itself isn't all that bad, and it's very clean. White paint somewhat oxidized, interior looks really good except for the missing radio, minor dent on the door.... you get the idea. And only 113K too.
Mike
Does it have the stock, iron crank pulley on it? Or does it have an aftermarket underdrive pulley installed? Has the car been wrecked on that side?
BTW, Focus zetecs and ZX2 zetecs are slightly different and a pain to interchange (but not impossible).
Tony D
