Still, not a recall.
Ford UK has responded to reports of Focus RS models emitting white smoke, saying that the company will offer free inspection and repairs for affected owners. This comes after multiple sources emerged claiming that the late-model Ford Focus RS hatchbacks, equipped with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost mill, were emitting white smoke during low-temperature running.
“Owners of 2016-2017 Ford Focus RS vehicles are being offered a free inspection and repair, regardless of warranty or mileage status, for concerns of white exhaust smoke and/or coolant consumption stemming from an issue with cylinder head gaskets. Ford dealers will test the cooling system, replace the cylinder head gasket, and may replace the cylinder head as required, at no cost to the customer.” — Ford UK
While they’ve made mention of the head gasket, the cylinder head, and the coolant, Ford UK has stopped short of confirming that it is indeed cylinder block deformation that’s the cause of the issue. Prior to the issuance of the statement, Ford had already replaced several engines with all-new mills under new specifications and under warranty.
The smoke issue is not a design fault, though it is attributed to the EcoBoost mill consuming coolant in cold conditions. It is suggested on various online forums that it’s down to distortion of the engine block over time. It seems that after cycling through uses, the block changes shape, which then causes the gaskets to break their seal.
For readers who may be concerned about the Mustang EcoBoost, fret not. The mill used for the Mustang utilises a different alloy in its construction, and is of a harder wearing variety with greater tolerances. The engine in the Focus RS utilises an “upgraded alloy” with a unique head-gasket design, crucial to achieving the RS’ high power output.
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