I need your help please!!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 30, 2002 | 01:15 PM

Brenner

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: Portland

I need your help please!!

First off, I have a 2001 Sport Trac with 44k on it.
Today while driving into work I noticed the "engine light" was on and the truck started riding rough, like it was missing. I called the dealership and took it in. I just got off the phone with them and was told that somehow the timing skipped a tooth which is causing it to mis-fire. This mis-fire bent a valve and the only way to fix it is to replace the engine! I can't speak civillyis up with that!?

Has ANY one heard of this happening before or something simular? I need to gather as much information as possible so I can call Ford and have them take care of this for me, this is just insane.

Thank you in advance for help.

Scott

Dec 30, 2002 | 01:58 PM

Lucykat1

New User

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

From: Orange Park United States

I need your help please!!

Scott:

I had a similiar experience with my 1999 Ford Explorer but it was a spark plug that was creating the problem. Apparently it was arcing and causing the vehicle to jump or lurch forward like it was going to stall out.

Dec 30, 2002 | 02:04 PM

1956MarkII

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,746

Likes: 7

From: Tampa Bay, FL USA

I need your help please!!

Scott, get me your VIN and let me do some research on this. You said the truck was running poorly, but you didn't mention noise. If you had a bent valve (which I doubt), you would HEAR it. If it ain't knocking, I really doubt you have a bent valve.

Dec 30, 2002 | 02:07 PM

Brenner

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 35

Likes: 0

From: Portland

I need your help please!!

>Scott, get me your VIN and let me do some research on this.
>You said the truck was running poorly, but you didn't
>mention noise. If you had a bent valve (which I doubt), you
>would HEAR it. If it ain't knocking, I really doubt you
>have a bent valve.

Sorry, i left that out I could hear it. sounded like crap. I don't have the VIN handy but I can try to get it and I'll get it to you.

Dec 30, 2002 | 03:44 PM

Jharger

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 1,574

Likes: 1

From: Phoenix

I need your help please!!

I believe this is the SOHC engine, right? There were a couple TSB articles and recalls around the tensioner on the timining belt. When too much play gets into the belt, the timing cams can slip and then you can smack a valve with the piston. I hope you got the extended warranty. Either way, the entire engine does not have to be replaced as long as the bottem end is not damaged. Good luck.

Dec 30, 2002 | 03:44 PM

1956MarkII

Lead Driver

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,746

Likes: 7

From: Tampa Bay, FL USA

I need your help please!!

I checked and there are no TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) on your vehicle. Again, a bent valve, THOUGH POSSIBLE,is pretty unlikely. You know your dealer- I don't. If they've always been upfront with you before, then they probably are now. Still, I can't ever recall a slipped belt causing a bent valve, which in turn would mean a whole new engine. Do yourself a favor: go to www.FlatRateTech.com and post your question in the appropriate forum. That site is manned by some of the best Ford tech's in the business. (They're independent of Ford.) Tell them EVERYTHING that has happened and the dealer's diagnosis. They'll give you their best advice. Definitely worth the time before you drop a few thou, right?