blown engine, told to replace car

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Jul 10, 2011 | 10:09 AM

#16

ljutic ss

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Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Green Lane, Pa.

I would definitely take your excursion to another Ford dealer for a 2nd. diagnostic check. Sounds very odd that all these symptoms would pop up at once.

Jul 10, 2011 | 10:15 AM

#17

dchamberlain

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Joined: Sep 2007

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From: Scio, OR

I think I'd take it to at least one other mechanic. Ask around and see if you can find one that friends have had good experiences with. Some of those things you mentioned just don't add up. Radiator leaking? Did you see coolant on the ground? Bad fuel pump? Why was the engine even running.

A very long time ago my grandfather had a very nice Ford Ranger diesel. It started making oil, so he took it in. They told him he was looking at a very expensive repair, and encouraged him to trade it off, so he did. A reputable mechanic told him later that the problem was most likely injector o-rings, a simple repair. The dealer conned him, got the truck cheap, fixed it cheap, and sold it for a bunch of dough and my grandfather got screwed.

Get a second opinion. You might find that many of those "problems" don't exist.

Jul 10, 2011 | 10:19 AM

#18

bismic

Fleet Owner

Joined: Nov 2003

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His profile says he is in DC. Maybe some folks know of good mechanics in that area???

Jul 10, 2011 | 10:31 AM

#19

Maxium4x4

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Ohio

Welcome Bill, if you can give us some information about the condition of the truck, still drivable, we can offer some help. There is a really good mechanic about 5 hours away from you.

Jul 10, 2011 | 12:36 PM

#20

NYC F-350

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Joined: Dec 2010

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billexcursion:
If you are indeed in the DC area, I know of a mechanic in the area that works at a dealership. He would like to speak with you about your truck, you can email him justinmix@hotmail.com
They do this job for 3500-4 grand. The price you got was an absolute JOKE and they were attempting to take advantage of you.

Jul 10, 2011 | 12:54 PM

#21

m-chan68

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Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA

If I understood correctly, the OP's vehicle is in need of head gaskets, EGR and oil coolers. For what it's worth, that job done at the dealership I'm at, would set you back about $7G's if I recall correctly, and that's with putting head studs in as well (if you're into that). Bear in mind, this is in Canadian dollars.

Jul 10, 2011 | 08:11 PM

#22

justinmix

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Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 18

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From: Frederick Md.

Hey Bill, it's Justin. NYC and Bismic let me know that you were local and having some issues. I agree with everyone that they are trying to rip you off here. Heck, you could swing in an entire reman engine for that price.

Just curious, what were your original symptoms? Why did you take it in in the first place?Losing some coolant and white smoking? I hear stories like this all the time. People go in for something like losing a little coolant and next thing you know there getting banged for head gaskets and a bunch of other stuff.

Not saying you don't have a head gasket issue, but there are quite a few things to check out first. A blown EGR cooler or a restricted oil cooler can all cause coolant issues that would appear similar to a head gasket issue. Most people don't take the time to really check them out and just jump to head gaskets, especially mechanics/dealers on flate rate.....