Early Ford Focus ZX3 running issues

Co-worker has a 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 as a backup/beater car. Its an automatic, 136k miles, and they are telling me it is having running issues. They described the problem as: You can drive the car for 15-20, mins then it stalls out and dies. You can then shut it off and restart it, and it runs again for another 15-20 mins, stalls and dies. They took it to a shop which replaced the fuel pump, and they are still having the issue. Its been sitting for about a month as they haven't messed with it any further. I know nothing about Foci (???) except for the McRae rally version which I'm sure shares very little with the road version.

Any Foci experts have an idea of what the issue might be?

Is the ZX3 version any different than the standard Focus?

Is this the same 2.0 motor that is shared with the Mazda 3?

Is it worth possibly getting on the cheap and flipping? (I don't really have any interest in an auto as a DD)

If it weakens off, gets slower and slower till it dies, then after sitting, will restart and do the same thing, it may have junk in the tank. They use a very fine screen which is attached to the bottom of the tank. The pump will pull the junk up, block the screen then it falls off when you shut the pump down.

If it cuts out instantly, this isn't the problem.

You said they had the fuel pump changed, but what about the fuel filter? Even if they did, I agree with Streetwiseguy, it sounds like crap somewhere in the fuel system. A simple fuel pressure test after it's been running for a while should point it out clearly. That's probably why the mechanic told them to replace the fuel pump.

The ZX3 is the same as all other Foci. The wagon is the one with a different rear suspension

The 2.0 in the first is a Zetec that shares nothing with Mazda. They started sharing the Duratec/MRZ in 2004.

Since you are in TN, and the biggest problem with Foci is rust, I'd say go for it. Good cars that like ot rust like the best from Italy and GB.

Any MIL's. The Focus came with three or four different engines. SPI, Zetec, two different Duratecs. None are related to Mazda. the above problem would be the same regardless.

Streetwiseguy wrote: If it weakens off, gets slower and slower till it dies, then after sitting, will restart and do the same thing, it may have junk in the tank. They use a very fine screen which is attached to the bottom of the tank. The pump will pull the junk up, block the screen then it falls off when you shut the pump down. If it cuts out instantly, this isn't the problem.

First: 2000 Focus = 2L DOHC Zetec or SOHC SPI

Second: What Streetwise said. Some early cars had a problem with a tank coating coming loose meaning the tank had to be cleaned out. As mentioned there is a fine screen where the pump mounts which is part of the tank which should be checked. This screen in NOT part of the pump so will not be fixed by just replacing the pump.
Also since it is a returnless system there are some valves built into the part on top of the pump that should be checked. Some replacement pumps come with this all new and some are just the pump.

Third: There is an external fuel filter located above and to the front of the tank under the car that should be checked. EDIT: With that mileage if it hasn't been replaced it should be.

Fourth: If all the fuel pump stuff is OK I would replace the DPFE sensor located in the engine compartment. Early Focuses were known to get water in them (I have replaced mine twice). Usually though if it is the DPFE they don't actually stall, just run like E36 M3.

My fil had problem that was solved by changing the coil pack. I has assumed it was fuel, but saw some notes about the coil. It was cheap and easy enough to take a chance and it worked.

My fil had problem that was solved by changing the coil pack. I has assumed it was fuel, but saw some notes about the coil. It was cheap and easy enough to take a chance and it worked.