4 things you MUST check before buying a Ford Focus RS!

Does your mk3 Focus RS have the correct head gasket? Are you looking to buy one and want to be sure it won't need the recall work doing? In this video I show you 4 easy things to check to be sure your car's a good one!
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[@andybiscuits]

Rarely do I comment on videos, but this was the most concise and yet thorough video I’ve seen on this subject. Picking one up in a week, and I now know what to look for. Cheers

[@MarkCup70]

Thanks Andy...this is exactly why I made this one, to help people know what's what.

[@Rebelz173]

I love this guys thorough explanation you don’t miss a thing mark 🤣 great work mate 👍 lovely car

[@jamesthomas6166]

Exactly the kind of video iv been looking for thank you mark. Iv got 2 test drives this week of a 2016 and 2017 model i have been doubting myself if im doing the right thing in buying an rs youve eased my concerns thank you 👍

[@richardgarza3267]

Gosh!!! I wish I would’ve saw this video before I bought my 17’ RS 3 weeks ago!!! And guess what!! 3 days ago , I had to put coolant in it cus it was low!!! Then the following day, I had to add some more!!! Already contacted the dealer. I need to take it in. The car only has 1362 miles on it!!!😡😡😡

[@dano4572]

If you are starting here, you have done the right thing if you are looking into getting one of these cars. Look in to this guy! He's been there and done that!!!! He knows what he's talking about. Do what he suggests, and you will be a happy Rs owner. I don't know him but ive followed him from day (1) one on youtube with this car. So, that's all i have to say. just sayin

[@yeriliesmarti2506]

Thank you so much for this video. Counting the days to graduate from ST to RS 👍

[@ManilvaRS]

Thanks for the new gasket check vid Mark. The guide you sent over by email proved very very useful, ive looked at 3 so far here in Spain, all with 20,000km or less, advertised as perfect, and when i have checked, hey presto, old gasket. Very very sneaky. The main dealer in Marbella had 2 zero km cars in storage, they refused to even acknowledge the issue, they were 2016 cars so i was insistent that they were checked before we got the ball rolling and they played dumb, and stopped returning my calls/email in the end. I suspect they had not had the field work done and didnt want to take the hit on their bottom line pre sale.

[@MarkCup70]

Glad what I sent helped. Your experience over there sounds painful with those dealerships!!!

[@ManilvaRS]

That's putting it mildly. Customer service out here is just none existent. I shall persevere.

[@danleeds8707]

Technically you only need step 4 but thanks. I’m looking to swap my Mountune MR300 ST for the RS and I can check this tomorrow. Good video, you speak very clearly.

[@matzy_media]

Thank you so much, the dealership was incredibly unhelpful and you sir saved me a ton of time and worry!

[@MarkCup70]

Wow, thank you, I'm glad I could help, this is exactly why I made this video 👍😁

[@EverydayZach]

just bought a 2016 and as I still cant figure out the barcode thing, ima just check visually. Thanks for this!

[@travr1131]

After taking many photos under there, I confirmed my 2017 has the brass circle on the head gasket, so I'm thinking I'm in the clear! No record on CARFAX or USA Ford's site of the head gasket being replaced though. Build date of my car was 30NOV2016. Thank you for this video, it was extremely helpful!

[@bcfmef]

i noticed many of you are blaming the open deck design. You do realize a good majority of Fords Ecoboost engines are an " open deck design" and the majority have very few, if any issues at all related to head gasket or head gasket related failures. and many of those have 200,000 miles or more on them

[@ant50043]

Great video. Im looking at a RS 2mora and will check it out. Its a late 2017 car so hopefully will be ok.

[@benjamintoth3513]

Very imformative video, thanks. Now, what if the car is already showing signs of the head gasket issue? How much is a replacement? Does anything else needs to be changed or 'just' the head gasket and maybe pistons?

[@jason147h6]

What a great informative, easy to understand video on RS head gasket issue👍👍👍

[@powellj27]

Hello Mark, another good video and very helpful, even though I own an RS and am fully aware of the issues this has still given me valuable information 🙂

[@poker_18rs92]

Very informative video & thank you for all of the tips. I’m finding very few CARFAX reports showing ‘cylinder head gasket(s)’ replaced & Ford service depts. won’t help if I’m looking at an RS for sale at Carmax or a non-Ford Dealer. Ford tells me they can’t release that information because of their policy & im not the owner. So, I’ll take your tips & try to do a visual on the head gaskets myself.

[@JackKitchener]

Fantastic video mate, massive help!!

[@charlesonuoha5504]

Fantastic Mark. As always your videos and the information are greatly appreciated.

[@mattlehec]

I’ve loved my RS but I’ve just had to p/x it after 1 years ownership. The gasket wasn’t a issue as ford are helpful and fix them all so not really a walk away point. I would say more of a issue to check is the veering steering which rears it’s ugly head under heavy acceleration but not always and even under some braking when backing off throttle. I’ve had plenty of quick cars over the years and it’s unnerving and at times near on dangerous. I’m led to believe not all Rs’s do it but ford don’t accept there is a problem so best check for it. And then my only other gripe is the mpg is a long way off what they say, I know you don’t buy an rs for fuel economy but over 4000 miles with some spirited driving and plenty trying to drive steady my average was 20.5 mpg. Apart from that they are a great car.

[@spacedust2270]

The veering steering is probably due to uneven camber on roads aswell abit of torque steer. Or incorrectly set up geometry from the idiots FORD

[@iancareless6123]

Great vid as always bought my RS in 1st sept 2016 awesome car no trouble at all apart from the green eyed guys out there with pointless comments who don't like the RS but keep watching the videos 🤔🤔

[@dudedovahkiin3825]

uptheduffagain ur a bit of a dick go away

[@jayrave4]

Nothing to do with being jealous - it’s about educating people with what’s really going on with this engine so they don’t buy one. My brother got rid of his as he was told about the open deck design of the block/thermal distortion, which is the root cause of the failures. The new gasket will work for a while, but unless you drive it like a granny and never tune it, the problem will happen again.

[@kevhulme8595]

Thanks mark eventually swapped my fiesta st mp215 for the rs and yes I'm well happy with recall work done as well , thank you for all the information .

[@EvelynHernandez]

love the Video! super informative! just got my focus RS :]

[@jimmyholster]

If only I had seen this a couple of weeks ago. Just bought 2017 model, took delivery today and after leaving the seller it started to miss, coolant is down and the engine build date is May 2017. Absolutely devastated. Hopefully Ford will come to the party. Feel sick man.

[@nekidfrog]

have you had ford replace it? the FSA he listed above says it has a date of 2019 for expiration. Mine just started doing this within the last 2 weeks and I need to take mine to ford.

[@mickleeroy3414]

Thank you for this post... I worried at first when you said they didn’t correct the gasket until July 2017, as the RS I bought last weekend was manufactured in March 2017. I took some photos and mine luckily has the correct gasket. Is it possible the dates you mentioned aren’t accurate? I read an article from Road and Track and their dates matched yours as well. Anyways thanks for the video.

[@jasoncleland1492]

Hi. I’m driving to Derby tomorrow to pick up my RS. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you.

[@PROJECTDRIVEN1]

Informative video!

[@falco13007]

Great info! Thanks!

[@dsher503]

Great video! Thanks for the help!

[@mrheisenberg72]

I like your videos 😊

[@ozzybc.]

Great explanation thank you for the video

[@sallyt6216]

Great video. Thanks

[@fogit4668]

Here is the problem with the 2.3l ecoboost. The top of the cylinders are not connected with any metal to the engine block to stop them from moving from side to side. This side to side motion is what is causing the head gasket to wear out. The thicker head gasket just makes it take longer to wear through. By the time it does it will be out of warranty. If you want to keep the car the best solution is to swap in a 2.7l ecoboost. The cylinders in that engine are connected to the top of the engine block.

[@davidmontagpf5589]

im just hoping its not a quick fix for now and it should last long enough to get everyone past the 5 year warranty I have a 10 year just saving up for my summer gt500 that there coming out with rs is fun for sure

[@grahamstephens9931]

Thank you very much for such a simple and informative video. Can I assume that a Focus RS with 16,000 miles on the clock in 2 years is likely to have had the work done?

[@MarkCup70]

If it's got a July 2017 engine or after, yes, I think you can.

[@spacedust2270]

Wasn't that a Craig David track....? "Walking Away!!" Lol glade he walked away from the car, even with the correct head gasket who knows if and how long thst may last or if get any more issues 🤔

[@ForeverOFC1901]

Thank you so much for the video 🙏🏼

[@poker_18rs92]

If you look inside the drivers side door & the cars build date is 07/17 that’s okay? If the build date is before that the gaskets need replacements?

[@GrahamReid34]

Going to be a long winter without any of your track videos ☹️

[@MarkCup70]

I might be planning on squeezing one in before the year is done 😉

[@myfren90]

Broth broth big broth super nice video somebody trying to sell me rs whit bad engine I regret thanks for the video

[@cheesesteakjimmy2076]

My rs is in getting a new engine.i bought mine with the gasket already done.but car was smoking when idling and using a bit of oil so booked car into dealership and they done pressure test and It passed but for have said get another engine in it.

[@stephenheyes1487]

Hi Mark good video, just one thing I need to mention as regards to coolant level my car coolant dropped after having the gasket replaced, due to air been trapped in the system, so I want to put out there. If someone is looking for a car with the gasket fix that it is normal for the coolant to drop slightly after having the gasket replaced.

[@tomtom255]

Great info for anyone considering a used RS. How has the paint held up over your ownership? I've had two Ford ST cars and they both have developed bubbling from rust underneath the paint in the door jams, hood seams, as well as the hatch seams. It's really unfortunate because they are absolutely brilliant little cars other than that. Hopefully your RS being built in the Germany plant doesn't suffer the same fate as my Focus and Fiesta. Keep up the great work👍

[@MarkCup70]

The paint is fine, only a couple of minor chips really...it's as good as you'd expect given that it's barely 18 months old.

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Shame this happened to the last Ford RS.Least they have fixed the problem now Mark,touch wood 🤞

[@martinrps13]

Do you think the gasket issue is a reason they discontinued the car?

[@Justinw303]

Unlikely. Probably a combination of Europe strangling automakers with more emissions regulations, and Americans preferring stupid little “crossover” SUVs over hatchbacks

[@steventonkz]

How to check in 90 seconds... 8 minute video

[@byunism]

Are you sure it YY X DD and not DD X YY? Mine is 16K17 but it's a 2017 model and I have the brass rivet so looks like I have the correct gasket but following your format, the engine would have been built in 2016.

[@DudesatRC]

ywbyun if so he Will have 14 as build year, they didnt build Focus rs in -14?

[@MarkCup70]

Your engine was built on October 17, 2016...YY X DD is correct as far as I'm aware.

[@byunism]

@@MarkCup70 Thanks for the reply. It seems I have the correct gasket since I see the brass rivet so I'm hoping all is good but time will tell. Thanks for all the cool videos.

[@MarkCup70]

You've had the car from new or bought secondhand?

[@byunism]

@@MarkCup70 Brand new. Left over 2017 model that was sitting in the lot so they had already had a $3000 (USD) discount from the sticker price. I'm kind of like you where I want to keep the car stock. I usually ride in the mountains in Tennessee and I don't need any more power. The only upgrades I am considering is adding the LSD up front (although I might do without it so the car is more fun to drive) and potentially the DSC controller to smooth out the ride, although in the stock setting, it's not too bad. Maybe a long road trip will change my mind. But for now, just enjoying it as is and trying to put on miles to see if it has any engine issue.

[@fastfez2520]

My local revo dealer has developed a much better fix than even ford provides on the cylinder recall.

[@dudedovahkiin3825]

Tell me more teddy

[@fastfez2520]

william stitt Am I allowed to on Marks video. Maybe he needs to say its ok first? Happy to provide details however.

[@MarkCup70]

Go right ahead William, this is all about sharing experiences and trying to understand the issue

[@fastfez2520]

MarkCup70 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGfUnYpmpayMga8 Look at this pasted link to MJ Performance Plymouth. There is also full details on their facebook page of the work they have done on developing their own bespoke head gasket recall. Full disclosure: I do their marketing and design work, however the details speak for themselves as well as their reputation.

[@fastfez2520]

william stitt Link and details below. Best to check out their facebook page as it has details on the rebuild they did to a black RS including the bespoke recall solution

[@Trugoy1]

Hi Mark...did you ever wish you had the other recaros?

[@MarkCup70]

Nope, the complete opposite in fact! The cost option Recaros are set way too high in the car and have no adjustment, you can't have them heated, you lose two airbags if you opt for them, there are no storage pockets on the back, and for someone of my build, they don't hold you at all...they're just too wide. "But they look better!" says everyone that then proceed to cover them with something akin to a black bin-liner because they don't want to wear them out. No. With a seat cover on them they look sh*t. For me personally, and as a rare person in the RS community that actually drove their car as a daily (instead of putting it on a pedestal), looks is the only upside they have...otherwise I can't see why anyone would go for them given how good the standard Recaros are. And breathe...😅

[@Trugoy1]

😂 perfect reply. I’m 6’2” 240lbs and the bucket’s width wasn’t too bad for me. However, after watching another video about lowering the seat with a jcr rail; the gent in the video mentioned the other seats (yours) can be lowered. It made me curious how you felt about them.

[@AlexanderBushi]

Thanks...

[@riccccccardo]

What happens if you drop your phone down there?

[@markberesford2447]

Mark buying a rs today , if you see this can I ask do I take these photos in step four near the bottom of the engine. Cheers mark

[@MarkCup70]

From memory you want your camera lens to be as low as possible and tilt the camera so that it's facing upwards...as you're trying to see the edge of the gasket from beneath. It was easy for me back when I did this as the engine was fairly new and everything was clean; I would imagine now, with these cars being 6 years old, it might be a bit less obvious. Best bet is take as many shots as you can and make sure your flash is on. If you want feel free to email me some pictures and I'll gladly take a look and help if I can. Hope that helps!

[@markberesford2447]

Thanks a lot appreciate your time

[@markberesford2447]

Mark I got my 17 reg RS today , I managed to obtain from Ford the history print out saying everything that’s ever been done to the car under warranty and the all important 17B32 recall is there . Thanks very much for your help 👍

[@MarkCup70]

Nice, good to hear, enjoy it 👍

[@henryvasquez4152]

Damn. Homeboy understood the assignment.. this will definetly help me in 2 days 💯

[@jcmanc72]

17E!!!!!

[@andrewmeadows2596]

Four things to check on any car. 1. Is there a F on the badge 2. Is there a O on the badge 3. Is there a R on the badge 4. Is there a D on the badge If the answer is yes walk away 😂

[@jayrave4]

Just don’t buy one in the first place - the new gasket is just plastering over a major design fault. The issue is the open deck nature of the block, which leads to thermal distortion issues - especially if tuned. Do your research and don’t listen to Ford’s PR BS about the gasket being the issue. The new gasket doesn’t solve the problem forever; it just merely lasts longer. These will be an absolute nightmare outside of warranty, so steer clear and buy something else.

[@jayrave4]

Richard Errington agree totally mate - the Cossie era was awesome. Ford need to change the block design going forward, and by the looks of the same problem they’re now encountering with the 1.6 ecoboost engine, that won’t be long in coming.

[@b10xtn]

Jayco yeah because a Cosworth never blew a head gasket! They were just as bad.

[@motivationguyy1824]

I will get a warranty in case for a year

[@markcozzie]

So really only way to know is look and see if it's got that rivet on the gasgit?? kuz afew the other steps rather useless..

[@marvincaraballo3135]

Thats why ford discontinued the rs on 2018 its not well built engine

[@truthseeker8483]

1. Check to see if it is a Ford. ....2. Walk away .......3. Dont look back .......4. Buy any other car..it will be better...

[@mbingham10]

Are all Ford gaskets crap? our 2015 Transit connect has just spurred catastrophic engine failure due to overheating its not economically viable to fix for us so iv'e had to scrap it are ford doing anything about these engines, it seems they are all crap.

[@aky19832001]

You only need to check one thing. That's where the exit signs in the dealership are to get the hell out of their. Why would anyone want a vehicle that's no longer being made. Or from a company that I intentionally released vehicles knowing knowing Damn well that it had issues.

[@Justinw303]

Damn, what a stupid comment

[@watfordfc0]

ALL Ford Focus MK3 RS owners ....., pursue a refund through the Ombudsman,..... Consumer Rights / Faulty goods ..... I did and was awarded a full refund

[@watfordfc0]

Remember to check all this on a FLAG SHIP approved Ford Focus RS worth 30K !!!!! Ken Block would be proud !

[@powellj27]

Hello Mark, just wanted to thank you for this video, really helped me to quickly check what my RS was fine and there are no issues. (Not recall needed) I hope your recent issues are resolved easily. Honestly I’ve not noticed any loss in power with my car and I do check the car every 2 weeks to be sure no boost leaks etc.

[@finnblu3002]

275, 000 miles on my Toyota Never needed to check Head gasket 5 4 3 2 1 Boom Last three Toyota’s 360,000 ran when sold five speed se 325,000 ran when sold five speed se 275,000

[@fastfez2520]

Can you please be more thorough with your videos. You do not mention the date and time your car was built.

[@fordyford]

That's previous videos.

[@fastfez2520]

Was joking. Marks videos are always brilliant

[@MarkCup70]

It started rolling down the line on 6th March 2017...I can't remember the gate release date though. I'm sorry for the incomplete answer 😅

[@andrewmeadows2596]

@@MarkCup70 😂😂

[@davidm6975]

Why where blue gloves to take off the engine cover to check?

[@MarkCup70]

Because not only was I removing the engine cover I was also stuffing my hands quite deep down inside a near 20k mile grimy engine bay. Hand washing facilities at Goodwood aren't the best, hence the gloves. Either that or I smear my grimy hands over my not grimy steering wheel and camera gear afterwards.

[@davidm6975]

I think your a bloody tool myself!

[@MarkCup70]

Good for you!

[@UberMervin]

Fell asleep on the video, woke up to watch it then I fell asleep again.

[@mbingham10]

suffered not spurred computers hey

[@gsheverything_2716]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@riccccccardo]

Best way to avoid this ford gasket problem *dont buy a ford rs*

[@ozevox]

will be interested to see these things with high mileage. ford = rubbish engineeering

[@b10xtn]

Just get a golf R and swerve all the headaches

[@dylanrower630]

Needs gloves to take the engine cover off

[@MartinTeerly]

You should walk away from every RS

[@surfside75]

😂 enlighten us bro...

[@fasthracing]

1.0 Ecoboost 1.6 Ecoboost engines going bang. Shite

[@selvaratnam]

No offense mark but the best advice is to avoid this model RS altogether. Lots of other fun driving cars out their. If you buy a used RS now you are buying some one else problems. Knowing ford they don't care

[@ltrs1212]

18C26. WOO!

[@obscuroabismo666]

Very helpfull information bro, I'll buy a 2017 directly with ford, as your advise, the motor date is 17B16, so unfortunatelly the month is february, but, thr car has 30,000 km and all services were perfomed in the Ford dealer, my question is how long time the problem appears, I wrote to Ford dealer traceability in advance, thanks for you support!