03 Dropped a Valve

[phipps]

I have a 2003 Focus with the 2.0 SOHC engine. My me mechanic says he thinks it dropped a valve in the #3 cylinder. Is this common with these engines?

What are my options as far as repair vs replace?

Is replacing the engine a shade tree mechanic job or is it more involved?

[Erin T]

I've had two 2.0 SOHC engines do this(2000 and 2002). One didn't drop the valve, the seat started moving around. When I heard the ticking start, I had the head re-done and it's been fine going on two years now. The other ,did drop the valve. It took out a piston and bent the rod.
If you can find an engine, swapping it out is not that bad.
Hope this helps.

[phipps]

I'm thinking it's probably a valve seat. My mechanic is going to pull the head to see if we can just put a new head on it. She wasn't driving when it happened so I'm hoping the damage is minimal.

[phipps]

Well, my mechanic pulled the head and she's toast. Tore the piston up pretty bad. Turned out to be a valve seat in cylinder 4.

Anyone have any recommendations on a good place to pick up an used engine that isn't going I cost an arm and a leg?

[phipps]

Picked up an engine today. The replacement has 79,000 miles on it, 50,000 less than what was on the car when we bought the car.