In 98 I purchashed a new explorer. At several thousand miles, I noticed a tick in the engine. Between 5 and 26 thousand miles I complined about the tick at every service. At first Ford "decarboned" the engine. Then I was told that the tick was just a characteristice of the engine. Finally, at 26,000 miles my dealer told me that I would be getting a new engine. When I got the engine I found that what I got was a reconditioned motor--which has several oil leaks.

Needless to say, I'm not too happy about the situation. A friend who bought a new 99 explored has just gone through the same process. I have a number of questions.

1) Is this a common occurance?

2) What kind of quality can I expect from a reconditioned engine?

3) Do I (we) have any legal recourse in this situation.

I think I should have gotten a NEW engine, at least. Or failing that, I think Ford should have offered me a new vehicle at with a large discount while taking my vwehicle in as a trade-in. I will appreciate any thoughts on this matter.

Oh, by the way. My firestone blow-out occured at 5,000 miles and I replaced the tires at my expense. when the recall started I wrote and was told by Firestone that I could not get reimbursed because my blow-out happened before the recall. Is this a great experience or what? Evan (Blythin(No Email Addresses In Posts!))