Ford Focus 2003 1.6 starting issues

Hi everyone I’m really hoping someone could perhaps just advice me if nothing else.

I’ve had my Ford Focus 1.6 petrol 2003 for around 7months and it’s always ran perfect.. last Friday (the 13!) I went to maccies breakfast before work and noticed I needed fuel (probably 10miles left), so I went to an Asda fuel station is never been before which only has 2 options of fuel. It was early and I was tired I’m sure I grabbed unleaded but it’s up for debate..

Later I drive it to my friends just fine

When I go to leave the car is turning but not igniting so I assume battery’s gone flat and get a lift home. The following day I return with jump cables to start it and it starts just fine like this so we leave it to idle for maybe 20 minuets then suddenly after 15 or so mins it cuts out with a slight banging noise coming from the air box? We try to start it again and it turns in just fine again after maybe 5 mins it cuts out again.. so we turn it back on then 1 minuet later it cuts out and won’t turn back on unless we spray carb cleaner in the air box but even then it cuts out after maybe 10 seconds even with giving around 3000rpm..

I have a basic understanding of how engines work so I’m really thinking I should be looking at the fuel and fuel filter which I’ve never changed since owning or looked at..

Please can anyone give me any advice even what I should try or if I should take it to a mechanic!? Thanks so much

Any chance you’ve put diesel in it?

As above.....is the exhaust smoking?
Best of luck changing a fuel filter on these, its at the front of the tank, strapped high onto a bulkhead and is a swine to get to
John

HI Have your still got your receipt for the fuel you brought would be on there if diesel or not. When car not starting check for spark at the plugs this would confirm fuel or ignition problems

If you were down the the last 10 miles worth of fuel before filling up then there is a good chance the crap at the bottom of the tank was pulled through - rust flakes, water etc.

This can cause intermittent issues and the fix is normally to check the fuel filter and drain the fuel reservoir in the carb or - if you have fuel injection - to clean and if necessary replace any faulty injectors.

There are some good matches to your symptoms on this link:
https://www.injectorrx.com/fuel-injector-cleaning-and-flow-testing-service/fuel-injector-symptoms/

It does sound like you have some dirty work ahead sorting this out I'm afraid.

Did you check your fuel?