I have a 97 4.0 SOHC that is in the shop for the timinig tensioners, I was inquiring on who should pick up the cost since the part was modified. I ended up having the motor rebuilt and my mechanic said that ford had a recall or a TSB on the timing tensioners. How should I approach on replacement costs? Is it Fords, since the part is modified? or is it suck it up and pay?
Any help? Thanks

 

There is a ford TSB for cam tensioners , ford isn't going to pay for the repairs.

 

I am having a similar problem, and beginning to take on Ford. Less thant 60k miles, and dealer telling me that timing chain guide has broken and distributed metal throughout engine. Original diagnosis was cam tensioners - covered under Service Bulletin. Now Ford says replacement of engine my responsibility.

What happened with your problem?

 

Ford has extended the warranty on the camshaft tensioners and the lower intake manifold o-rings. They are now coverd for 6 years/72K miles. Until April 30, 2001 there is no mileage limit. If you paid to have either replaced, Ford will reimburse you. People are just starting to get their letters. I got mine last week. If the engine failure can be traced to the camshaft tensioners failing, then the engine should be replaced at Ford's expense. The Owner Notification Program number is 00M12.

 

If the engine failure can be traced to the camshaft tensioners failing, then the engine should be replaced at Ford's expense. The Owner Notification Program number is 00M12.

Well you won't believe this ... but my 98 Explorer (36400 miles) died! It's in the shop now waiting for disposition from Ford. They are implying that the problem is not related to the camshaft tensioners as the timing gear on the cam came off. Of course the pistons are scored where the valves hit so said it needs a new engine. They also said they would try to get Ford to extend the warranty. I won’t know till next week what the outcome is. Engines are also backordered 30 days.


But there's more ....

It all started about two weeks ago my wife asked what that tic, tic noise was coming from? Sounded like lifters not getting oil to me, but drove ok otherwise. I told her not to drive it I would change the oil and filter, I did but no change. I went to Ford asked if there was a problem with oil pump not getting oil as it sounded like the lifters were making noise. They said there have been some problems with camshaft tensioners, this was on Tuesday. I made an appointment for that that Friday to have the work done. I didn’t drive it and took it in that Friday as planned. I asked to have the mechanic look at it to confirm the problem was the tensioners, he did but they said they couldn't do the work as planned and set up another appointment for the following Wednesday to have the work done. They also said I should be getting a recall notice on it some time shortly which we did that following Monday. Before I left the dealership I asked would it be ok to drive it this way and they said there would be no problem. Monday we had a big rainstorm hit the area so I told my wife to go ahead and take the Explorer in the bad weather. Tuesday night, the night before it was to go into Ford for service on the way home it made a couple of noises, jerked, so she pulled of the freeway made another loud bang and died. We had to have it towed to another dealer as she was 50 miles away when it died.

So, here I sit waiting to see just what Ford will do, frankly I never thought much about the warranty when I took it at the first time, and after they said it was mostly likely covered anyway I didn’t check, think 400 miles.

Well hope this saga helps someone else out there.

Later

 

It appears that my problem will be resolved.

After getting nowhere with the dealership, I went directly to Ford Customer Service. The first rep I spoke with was less cooperative, and advised that "her system was down, and she could not help me even if my damage was covered". I phoned back later in the day, and got great service from another individual. We jointly phoned the dealer and confirmed the facts. The outcome of that call was that the dealer would confirm to Ford that my damage was due to camshaft tensioners, and Ford would send an engine. Even if the damage was not covered the rep advised that he would provide some "financial assistance". (?)

The following day the dealer phoned and asked me to approve $1000 in labor for a tech to tear down the engine and examine the tensioners. I emphasized that this was ridiculous, but told them to go forward. Later in the day, the service advisor phoned back and advised that they would replace the engine without the additional "teardown".

At this point, it has been in the shop 3 weeks and the dealer advises that it should be completed sometime next week. The engine (factory rebuild) has been received at the shop. I believe that the key to this entire situation was my continually challenging Ford to explain any reason why a timing chain guide would fail and break other than the known poor performance of the tensioners. In the end, while there was some resistance the facts eventually prevailed, and I believe that I have been treated in a fair manner.

 

Can I incquire where you are located?

My 97 Explorer died on 1/7/01 without any waring (metal flapping noise about 5 minutes before it died). I had it towed to the dealership and by Friday 1/12 they informed that the engine was blown and would have to order a new one. There were four outstanding recalls on my vehicle including the M12 tsb for the timing tensioners. The Service Manager indicated that he didn't think the timing tensioner had anything to do with it, however, based on my internet research there is a direct correlation.

How did Ford resolve the problem with you?

 

I handled my problem directly through Ford Customer Service - I believe 800-392-FORD is the number. The dealer is put into a tough situation in the cases, as they are a franchise repair shop. For my situation, Ford was leaning toward replacing my engine, and the dealer (Shamrock Ford in Dublin, CA) was helpful in getting it ultimately resolved.

I would stress that the important steps are having your facts in order prior to calling Ford Customer Service and making a clear case as to why the Service Bulletin covers your damage. They, not the dealer will resolve your issue, unless the problem is clearly and undeniably covered under the warranty. The dealer will likely not make any 'judgement calls' on your behalf.

 

So far all the parties involved in my case are trying to work things out to a satisfactory conclusion without involving Ford Customer Service. It maybe a few more days before all the details are worked out but we are making progress.

Later

 

I also have a 97 with about 75k miles. It also makes the clattering noise until it warms up. Also, after it is warm and has been off for a few minutes, it will do it again for a few minutes.
Above it says that until April 30, 2001, there is no mileage limit. I haven't taken mine to the dealer and I have not received a recall letter.
What do I tell them to get them to look at as a recall? I would hate to go past the limit and have it come apart and then have to pay for it on my own.
Bob

 

Bob -

I would take it to the dealer and advise them that you believe that you have a problem which is covered under the terms of Service Bulletin 00M 12. They should check it out for you. You should not need a letter - mine arrived after the repair had already been completed

 

explorer= dumpster on wheels
all the recalls involving this this vehicle makes it true



John Floyd
South Mills,NC
'86 F150 2wd 300 6
Crane Cam 260/272
stock manifolds, w/ staight pipe

 

>I also have a 97 with
>about 75k miles. It also
>makes the clattering noise until
>it warms up.

Do it! Don't even think twice about it!

You can always call dealer with your VIN to check for coverage under 00M12.

 

Well, I called them late Friday and he said he would check and call me back. He didn't so I called again today. He said his computer was down Friday but he was printing out some recalls and he would check and call me back.
He didn't recognize the 00M12 number, he said.
We'll see what happens, next.
Bob

 

reberhardt wrote:
Ford has extended the warranty on the camshaft tensioners and the lower intake manifold o-rings. They are now coverd for 6 years/72K miles. Until April 30, 2001 there is no mileage limit. If you paid to have either replaced, Ford will reimburse you. People are just starting to get their letters. I got mine last week. If the engine failure can be traced to the camshaft tensioners failing, then the engine should be replaced at Ford's expense. The Owner Notification Program number is 00M12.
****************
Well, I just got the call back from the service department. He said 00M12 was a recall for head gaskets and was not related to the timing chain tensioners. He said they were talked about in a TSB and that they were not covered by Ford.
Where do I go next? Is there somewhere that I can get a copy of the actual TSB so I can know what it really says? Then, maybe I can take it and show them what I am talking a obout.
Bob