Focus MK1 - Maintaining your IAC & PCV Valves! 

Weah, part of the proper maintenace. I NV U, tho'.. :-) On my 1.8 (and 2.0) zetec engine, the IAC valve place is a pain in the @ss.. Need a shoplift or jack and jackstands and a couple of tricks to get there. I have an aftermarket IAC (the third one..), works fine, with new PCV valve and hose. No leaks, smooth idle. Great job, thanks for sharing!

Now here is the thing.. If the throttle body has never been touched , then the normal factory idle speed is 700rpm -/+ 30. Thats also what you see with the Focom diagnostic tool, the desired idle speed is 730 rpm when the engine is warm. Now, When you clean the Throttlebody , most people use the usual throttle body cleaner, or the carbureteur cleaner. These cleaners are harsh and it will remove the special layer that is applied to the throttle body butterfly. After you are done cleaning, and have resetted the Ecu, the engine wil idle at 800/850rpm, because the throttle valve is letting extra air inside now. Actually, this is not a problem, it is actually better ! . At 700rpm the car ran sluggish and often had the tendency to cut out when you turned on the air conditioning. With 850rpm the car runs very smoothly and more powerfully even with the Ac on ! But please when changing the idle air control valve, ALWAYS buy the Oem ! Because most aftermarket valves are rubbish and not calibrated to the Oem specs. I threw away 10 pieces in 2 years, because they gave up, or the idle stuck when switching gears.

Another great video. Been waiting for this one pal. In case viewers are wondering what the idle values should be, my Haynes Pro software states the following. Idle speed (manual transmission) = 700 士 30 (rpm) and Idle speed (automatic transmission) = 800 士 30(rpm).

Thanks for another great informative video.

Cheers mate. I did the IACV mistake too, but fortunately kept it and have put back in clean. I have seen some flag it as a fault, but replacing is incorrect if cleaning can be a satisfactory fix. Learning quickly that somethings aren’t broken and just need a clean. Do need to flag a point about the PCV valve, and that an obvious symptom I have personally experienced is that the breather pipes can collapse if there is an issue. Not sure of the exact mechanism, such as whether the valve is stuck or the a pipe is blocked or leaking, but since replace with a new PCV and pipes. The old one was still rattling, so maybe could have just been intermittent and cleaning it would have been fine. I went off general advice that there’s no harm in chucking a new one in for peace it mind, especially since the cost around a tenner.

Nice one. Id also recommend those with a 1.8 to check pcv hose going into the back of the engine hasnt collapsed. Causes a crappy idle. Was the case on mine when i bought it with "running iasues“.

Thanks again for a brilliant video. I’ve checked my idle as you suggested as all fine - thanks

nice work sir, did you do the fuel filter video yet or have i missed it. many thanks for your videos iam doing up my mk1 slowly a bit at a time yours stuart.

Sounds a lot lot louder than mine that mate. Cracking vid a s usual

Thank for this vid can you also make a vid on the inlet manivolt cleaning

Nice informative video! But I have a question if you don’t mind. I have a focus wich I am restoring. I did a cilinderhead refresh with every gasket because it had 4 oil leaks and a blown headgasket. But now I noticed a leaking dipstick. Is it because of the PCV or piston rings? Also an 1.6 SE blacktop. Thanks in advance!

Is it possible if the pvc valve is gungd up that the car is burning oil and oil in the spark plugs cambers? Or is it only leaking oil trough gaskets?

Is that preservation group your talking about somewhere to be found?

Hi so I’ve been putting shell V-POWER IN MY MK1 and the car feels lovely with that fuel what do you think about shell V-power fuel and all products from shell any experience with them products for the mk1 would be cool to hear about it 👍🏼

Thanks for the great info. Won't the aic be damaged by the carb cleaner? It has some rubber parts in it. What do you use for cleaning the engine bay?

Not being a suck upnir owt as that's not me but my god mate your car should be in the ford heritage fleet warehouse

Hey, do know where i can find an oem IACV? I've looked everywhere but i can't find one in good condition...