Came into work this morning to a backup med unit. When talking with the off going crews, they stated it started ticking very badly on a call and diverted to the dealership. Before it got there, the truck went into limp mode and a 'knock' developed. Keep in mind, it was only 2 miles between diversion and dealership. According to new tech, something in the bottom end came apart. How he knows this, I have no idea. They have taken nothing off of the engine at all and have not drained the oil. But, the dealership and our offices have been getting prices on a new engine. So far, the lowest has been $11k. I am trying to get them to take it our trusted tech's new garage and do a tear down to see if a just a short or long block is needed instead of an entire engine. Remember, this is the truck that was torn down 23k miles ago for a broken rocker arm on the right side of the engine and found all rollers to have a flat spot worn into them. The dealership replaced only the right side rockers, and not the left. Does it not make sense that if one side wore that badly, the other side would too? The fuel dilution should affect both sides equally I would think. Supposedly, the trouble this time stems from the driver's side. (again, how he knows- I don't). Trying to get info on the truck as I write this, but it doesn't look good. Thinking it is a rocker and dropped valve from what the crew has said, but as you can see it is a difference of opinion. I will try to let you know what the verdict is, when one is reached. I just hate that the truck has met this fate, as this has been the best Ford ambulance I've ever driven. For now, just a waiting game.

 

new emissions and fleet service do not go well. Subscribing!

 

The truck was taken to our 'trusted' tech's garage today and the engine was spun to see what it sounded like. It was horrific! The dipstick was pulled and coolant was found, the coolant reservoir is full of oil. It appears that the oil cooler failed and the truck was ran while this was occurring and it appears to have spun several rod bearings, possibly mains as well. The oil was drained through a screen and has large chunks of metal in it. A couple of pieces appear to be parts of the block. So, not good. The tear down will not begin now, just replace the engine. Once out and the truck repaired, we will tear into it just to see what we find. Yes, this is truly scary. But, I have to think that this truck has been through hell sideways in it's life and has handled it fairly well. Just sad to think an oil cooler did this! Anyway, just wanted to keep you updated. WIll update again later if anything else is found.

 

I'd check those EGR coolers before you put it back together as well. Does sound like the oil cooler though.

 

I'm trying to get them to delete it all and see what happens.

 

As it looks right now, before going up the food chain, everyone wants to put in a new complete Ford engine to the tune of $11k. So far, the ones involved aren't looking for just a replacement long block. We will spend around another 2K putting it in. I think that is the best solution, but we have high up bean counters to deal with so I'll keep you updated.

 

Long block is the way to go since there is so much metal throught the motor. Will be interesting if you can sell them on the DPF/EGR delete.

 

The new engine (New Ford engine) is here and is scheduled to be put in next week. When we drained the current engine, this is what we found on the oil drain bolt.

Not sure we are going to tear into yet. If and when we do, I'll post our findings, but by the magnet, you can tell that coolant does not goes well in the oil. The truck probably wasn't run more than 10 miles after it started making the noise, but as you can see, the damage was already done.