MDB,

I've checked the air filter indicator on my '97 F350 by momentarily plugging the air intake with my forearm. (not sure if that's easily done with your dual filter system though) Once the indicator shows there is a restriction it stays in that position until it is reset by pushing a button on the end of it even after the vehicle is shut off I believe.

I would like to switch to that Ford AIS system but as usual I don't believe it's made to fit my '97. I just can't seem to warm up to the open filter under the hood. I still haven't seen any evidense of dust in my intake with the stock filter setup. I do recall that my truck was recalled for a possible intake problem that would allow the filter element to collapse shortly after I got the truck though.

Jeff

 

They did the work under warranty due to ignorance (imho) never checking to see what was at the root of the problem, just using the scatter-gun approach and hoping that something would fix the problem. In this world of high-tech engines and high-tech diagnostic equipment, motors designed and built to tolerance specs we could only imagine 20 years ago I figured that every Ford garage would be equally competent.... wrong! When they got close to the problem the garage called Ford to send a new engine and that is when Ford advised them that they first had to diagnose the exact cause of the problem (they tear it down and have an independent examiner analyze the engine) to determine the cause. They did call me before they tore the engine down to advise me of the "new" procedure and were somewhat shocked by it since it was new to them also. I was advised ahead of time that it might be due to faulty maintenance and if that was the finding of the independent examiner I would be liable for the time to diagnose it as well as repairing it. Stuck between a rock and a hard place I trust the manager of this shop (friend of a friend) and believe that they are doing the best they can.

 

The warranty is good to 5 years from the beginning of use or 100K, which ever comes first, doesn't matter who you purchase the vehicle from. The problem I had is that the problem, although pre-existing, developed subtle signs I didn't catch (and neither did the Ford mechanics) until it had progressed too far. If I had purchased an extended warranty (I didn't purchase it based on the adivce of the shop which performed the pre-purchase exam) I would be (theoreticaly) having them pay for the engine replacement.

 

Steven,

Any advise on what to look for when inspecting the intake would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

According to the current mechanic, who has been working on these engines for years now I have the "good airbox". The indicator (clear vial with yellow plunger) will creep out as the filter gets clogged. The engine doesn't have to be running for it to show as it will keep moving out the more suction develops and is reset by a button on the vial. According to the mechanic this is only an "idiot light" approach and not to be trusted. Change the air filter often, inspect it at every oil change. I did that but didn't realize the sand was already in the tubes doing its dirty work. It really got bad after the previous garage installed a new turbo that really blasted the sand into the cylinder and the smoke really blew out in great clouds. In fact they told me I could come pick it up but it was still not starting when cold, smoking more (blue smoke), and running rough (it wasn't running rough when I brought it in). That's when I picked it up and took it to the current shop (managed by a friend of a friend). I've heard that the previous shop has been denied the warranty claim for the new turbo they installed but haven't heard from them..... yet....

 

Does serious off-roading to the point where mud is filling the air-box and sand is ingested into the turbo qualify as "something done to the truck that voids the warranty"? Or is that considered "normal use"?

 

That would void the warranty. It specifically states in your warranty that if you flood the engine underwater or mud high enough to reach the airbox or be ingested into the engine, your warranty is voided.

I'm guessing you had too much play time?

 

Why do you ask?

 

And now it's time for a nap.

 

Sorry couldn't resist!

 

Well that sure enlightens things a little bit. Yah I dont think the warranty is any good now.

 

Thanks for the posts. This is definately a good preventative maintenance subject.

Matt