How to Distinguish Between Ford Focus Camshafts?

[VonJameson]

For the Ford Focus, the camshaft marked with N is for intake, and P is for exhaust. Below are the specific symptoms of a damaged car camshaft: 1. The car has a high-voltage spark but takes a long time to start, though it eventually runs. 2. During the starting process, there may be reverse rotation of the crankshaft, and backfire in the intake manifold. 3. The car idles unevenly with severe shaking, similar to a misfiring cylinder. 4. The car lacks acceleration and cannot gain speed, even when the RPM exceeds 2500. 5. The vehicle experiences high fuel consumption, excessive exhaust emissions, and black smoke from the exhaust pipe.

[DiKaylee]

I've worked on Ford Focus engine repairs several times, and distinguishing the camshafts is actually quite intuitive. After opening the hood, observe the position of the camshafts - the intake cam is usually near the alternator side, while the exhaust cam is located near the spark plugs or facing the exhaust pipe. Different Focus model years have different designs, but typically there are casting marks on the cams, such as 'IN' or small arrow symbols for the intake cam, and 'EX' or different notches for the exhaust cam. When distinguishing them, use a flashlight to inspect carefully to avoid incorrect installation. I remember once when repairing a friend's 1.6L engine, installing the camshaft backwards caused severe valve deformation, costing nearly two thousand yuan in repairs. The lesson learned was to always take photos and compare with the factory manual before working. If you're unsure about the engine model, note down the vehicle's VIN code and check Ford's official website for information. The camshafts in newer Focus turbo engines are more precise. When doing DIY repairs, I recommend marking each component's position with a marker pen to reduce confusion risks.

[LeLeo]

When I used to modify the Focus engine myself, I learned quite a few tricks for distinguishing camshafts. Simply put, to identify the installation direction of the camshafts, when facing the engine, the intake camshaft is usually on the left near the air filter, while the exhaust camshaft is on the right near the exhaust manifold. On Focus models, camshafts are often differentiated by colored stickers—for example, blue for intake and red for exhaust. However, on older vehicles, the colors may have faded, so you can feel the camshaft lobes instead—the intake lobes are slightly larger than the exhaust lobes to control airflow. If they're mixed up, the engine will shake noticeably after starting, fuel consumption will spike, and a fault light may come on. Having worked part-time at a repair shop, I recommend that non-professionals avoid tampering, especially with the newer Duratec engines' chain-driven camshaft design, as incorrect installation can break the chain. When ordering parts, always note the serial number and cross-check it on eBay or the official website—camshafts for the Focus 1.0L and 2.0L engines differ significantly, so be careful not to order the wrong one.

[LeilaAnn]

I've worked on the camshaft issues of the Ford Focus, and distinguishing them comes down to the details of their positions. Inside the engine, the camshaft located near the air intake system is the intake one, controlling the fuel entering the cylinders; the other near the exhaust outlet is the exhaust cam, responsible for expelling combustion gases. Focus engines typically have each camshaft head engraved with a numerical code or model prefix, such as 'C' for intake and 'D' for exhaust. Mixing them up can damage the engine's timing system, leading to piston-valve collisions and major repair headaches. It's advisable to remove the valve cover first for clear inspection marks during repairs.