ok, here we go. I have a 2004 e-350 with a 5.4 l gas engine. Driving home at highway speeds, the check engine light comes on and the engine begins running rough. Make it the rest of the way without incident, but now the engine is firing on 4 cylinders, with misfires in the other 4. Took it to my local mechanic, who worked for a week, but was unsuccessful in determing why. They speculated that the timing chain guides had worn, allowing the engine to jump time. This made no sense to me (but i'm no mechanic) as i figured that all the cylinders would be out of time if this were the case. So i took it to the Ford dealer, who diagnosed that it needed 2 new fuel injectors and 2 new coil packs. This made no sense to me either (but i'm no mechanic), since the previous shop had switched the injectors and coil packs from firing cylinders to non-firing cylinders, without change. I had relayed this info to the dealer, who assured me that the injectors and coils would fix my problems. $800 later, the dealer informs me that i need a new engine, that the leaking fuel injector cause the piston rod to bend! This sounds nuts to me, but again, i'm no mechanic. Does anyone have an opinion? ECU? Crankshaft position sensor? I don't feel confident that i need a new engine. Any help would greatly be appreciated!

 

How many miles were on that lump?

 

she only has 119k!

 

If an injector flooded a cyl it might hydraulic lock, that can bend a piston rod.
Used vans are cheap enough on craigslist.

 

Sounds like it's time to look into rebuilt/remanufactured engines. If in fact it has a bent rod, the only thing that would cause a bent connecting rod would be hydraulic lock down from a badly flooded cylinder.

 

The only real definitive test for the bent rod might be cylinder compression test or pulling the oil pan for a quick visual inspection.

Not sure what standing you have to dispute the dealer's misdiagnosing of this problem---I'd be fighting tooth and nail to have that waived ASAP.

As for another engine I strongly suggest Ford's own product---typically about $2,700 delivered to your shop of choice. There will be a core charge but they never really inspect a returned engine or beat you out of that money.

Those engines along with Jasper come with nationwide warranties which is well worth the few dollars you might save with one of the so-called bargain reman'd motors out there.

Tough luck for sure---hope this works out more in your favor!

 

Like said - Ford dealership should put all or most of the $ 800 toward the new engine minus the misdiagnostic fee, especially since you told them this had been tried already. Good Luck