Just returned from a 2000 mi trip and when I parked the truck Fri night it ran just fine, however when I started it Mon morning
!!!!!the rod was knocking!!!!!
The truck has only 79,000 mi on it so this is a little disappointing... AND I JUST GOT IT PAID OFF!!!

Now what are my options?
The dealer says $3780 for a long block (2 Yr 24,000 Mi Warranty)?
I see on the web long blocks for $2300 (5 Yr 100,000Mi Warranty)!?
need to have some one R&R $??? + Shipping $???
Local wrecking yards want $2000 for an engine (1 Mo Warranty)
again need to have some one R&R $???

Back when it was common to swap for a bigger engine, is it harder today? If I go to a 4.6L or 5.0L V8 what else will I need? Computer? Transmission? Front springs?

Or should I get a new truck? Any thoughts out there?
PS I have detailed gas mileage records for this truck and engine if anyone is interested.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Nov-01 AT 03:33 PM (EST)[/font][p][font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Nov-01 AT 03:32 PM (EST)[/font]

I would seriously consider rebuilding the engine.That would probably be the cheapest route.
Did you own this truck new, or used. That's very rare for a motor to do that. Usually lack of oil or overheat can cause that.

 

I have owned it since new, it's never been over heated, and it has been to the 'add oil' point on the dip stick on 6 - 7 occasions in the 80,000 mi that I have driven it. I do tow a couple of times a year. The oil is at the 1/2 point after this trip, My driving has been described as 'GRANDPA STYLE' by my granddaughter.

I know it is a sad thing for this to go at such a young age. The strange thing is that it was running fine and quiet when I shut it down Fri. night and then knocked so loud Mon. morning right on start up! I had a 300cid go 280,000 mi and sold it to a fellow who added another 80,000 mi before he sold it. But then I suspect that this 4.2L V6 is not as tough as the 300cid I6.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 09-Nov-01 AT 08:59 AM (EST)[/font][p]Well, If the truck is still in physical good shape. Probably for about Two Thousand you could have the motor completely gone through. I had a 300 straight years ago that had just at 100K on it. I drove it to New York and back. And sure enough, the next Day that thing rattled and knocked. I had it rebuilt then sold it.
That V-6 is a good motor. It's just that with a Straight in-line Six is just that. it's all inline and usually runs longer, less wear factors.

 

Are you absolutely sure that it is a rod knock? I mean do you know for sure that it's not a lifter or something else?

I would get an opinion from your Ford dealer or a qualified mechanic before I resorted to rebuilding or replaceing the engine. (That is, if you havn't already done this).

 

Here is the update, 3 independent garages and the dealer later,
It's a rod. It seems that no one around here works on the inside of engines any more and the response is "needs a new engine". Two garages cited 'liability' issues, i wonder if this is just a New York thing. One garage took the time to show me the flat rate book at what it takes to R&R the pan on this engine (8 Hr)!!! and to R&R the engine (10 Hr)! By the time he added up what it would take to repair the engine (assuming the crank was good) it was more $ than a long block. And could be more if crank or head was damaged. So I chose him to do the work at a total of a $1000 less than the dealer and with a 5Yr 100K Mi warranty vs 2Yr 24K Mi......

 

u know u could fix it. okay. but when u spend that much on it,, replace. that way in the future u know u have a truck u can count on. maybe it has sentimental value,, but kiss it goodbye.

mountainman mn