97up-list-digest Wednesday, August 5 1998 Volume 01 : Number 173



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer Trucks and Vans
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In this issue:

Re: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems
RE: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems
Re: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems
FTE 97up - ADMIN: Change of policy with email addresses
RE: FTE 97up - Re: 98 Explorer Repair Manual

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Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 08:58:17 EDT
From: ROBBCWZ aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems

In a message dated 08/03/1998 10:03:54 PM Central Daylight Time,
maple cyberspc.mb.ca writes:


regarding what is called "cold start knock". My 97 F250 is sounding a lot
more like a diesel engine at start up as well. I returned the truck to the
dealership a few days ago and was informed the engine would have to be
replaced.

This latest major problem follows a string of "quality control" difficulties
we have experienced, ie premature rust on bumper and rims, oil and fluid
leaks, faulty electrical swithch, front window condensation, faulty power
window, recall for shift linkage and latest recall for wheel nuts. The
vehicle is less than one year old and has under 20,000km!!!

My first question is, are other ford truck owners experiencing this level of
frustration with quality related issues? >>

Jack:

I hope the answer to your first question is "No"; and I am hoping the
experiences that you have suffered are not typical of Ford's quality. I
previously had a '97 F-150 with the V-6 and this was the first vehicle I have
ever owned that I did not have to return for warranty work of any kind.
Quality, build and preformance were excellent.

I recently moved on to a '98 F-150 with the 5.4L (would have been happy with
the "6", just the way it worked out) and, having been spoilt with the previous
F-150, expect my run of "no warranty work" to continue. Having read about the
5.4L woe's on this board my concern level has been raised considerably. At
each turn of the starter I listen for knocks, taps, bangs, etc., and so far
(5,500 miles) ... nothing!

One hates to be too optimistic but I have no complaints.. so far. The engine
and transmission are very smooth and noise-less; just a real pleasure to drive
regardless of whether the truck is unloaded or loaded and towing.

Stick in there! I am hopeful that your experiences are in the minority. It's
of minor consulation, but if you visit the Dodge and Chevy boards and see how
they suffer, you'll remain glad you chose Ford.

RobbC
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Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 10:17:26 -0700
From: "Jay W. Murphy"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems

I had my 97 5.4L engine replaced at 8,000 miles for the piston slap problem
and have not had any further problems. I too have had some irritating qc
problems, but overall I'm not disappointed. My neighbor's 97 Chevy 2500 has
been in the shop 7 times for transmission related problems. I guess I've
come to the conclusion that none of these trucks is totally problem free. By
the way, if your rust on bumper and rims is in the right rear (rear of the
exhaust on the 97's), I saw a notice that ford will relocate the exhaust to
the rear (as on the 98+'s).

Keep the faith.

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-97up-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Jack Lubinski
Sent: Monday, August 03, 1998 7:51 PM
To: 97 ford up list group
Subject: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems


On a few previous posts a problem was reported with the 5.4 L triton engine
regarding what is called "cold start knock". My 97 F250 is sounding a lot
more like a diesel engine at start up as well. I returned the truck to the
dealership a few days ago and was informed the engine would have to be
replaced.

This latest major problem follows a string of "quality control" difficulties
we have experienced, ie premature rust on bumper and rims, oil and fluid
leaks, faulty electrical swithch, front window condensation, faulty power
window, recall for shift linkage and latest recall for wheel nuts. The
vehicle is less than one year old and has under 20,000km!!!

My first question is, are other ford truck owners experiencing this level of
frustration with quality related issues?

My second question is in regard to the engine replacement. Does anyone know
if the Windsor plant worked out the piston slap problem yet? someone
previous reported that a second 5.4 L was installed in their vehicle and
within a month or so started to make the same noise again..l Now that's got
to be a kick in the back side. Besides inconvenience, one month of crappy
gas mileage during engine break-in only to have to go through in all again.

As a life long Ford truck owner... I am very disappointed in Ford's new
trucks. I am hoping my dealer can turn things around as they have been
great with their service so far.

jack lubinski


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Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 14:20:19 EDT
From: BigFords1 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - 97' F250 engine problems

In a message dated 8/4/98 7:59:39 AM US Eastern Standard Time, ROBBCWZ aol.com
writes:


engine
and transmission are very smooth and noise-less; just a real pleasure to
drive
regardless of whether the truck is unloaded or loaded and towing.
>>

I have not had any problems at all with my 97 F-150 5.4L, 22,000 + miles. It's
hard to believe people are having so many problems with their trucks.
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Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 00:50:06 -0400
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE 97up - ADMIN: Change of policy with email addresses

Concerning the email sent out last week about the sale of
email accounts on FTE:

Business accounts will **not** be available. A business
with " ford-trucks.com" as part of its address implies
that FTE is part of that business. Imagine what would
happen to FTE's name if a business with our site address
started screwing customers!

Regards,
Ken Payne
CoAdmin, Ford Truck Enthusiasts
http://www.ford-trucks.com
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Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 00:28:06 -0700
From: Andrew Chung
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Re: 98 Explorer Repair Manual

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to get one in the mail ASAP.

- -----Original Message-----
From: JDavis1277 aol.com [SMTP:JDavis1277 aol.com]
Sent: Monday, August 03, 1998 07:11
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: 98 Explorer Repair Manual

Andrew,

You can't do better than the Helms manuals. They are the best value. Get
them.

Butch Davis-
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End of 97up-list-digest V1 #173
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