I wrote earlier about my explorer, that I had repaired 3 months ago, I had tensioners, and timing chain put on. Repair shop towed truck, same one that "fixed" it last time, and they now say that it needs a motor! They said at the catalyc (sp) convertor was bad, and all clogged up. I told them 3 months ago that 2 other places said I need a motor, they said no they could fix it. They charged me 1700.00 last time to fix this, and it lasted only 3 months. I told the repair guy I had no prior knowledge it needed a convertor, he said I wouldn't have any prior knowledge. Does any of this make any sense? By the way the guy was very rude almost yelling at me, that it wasn't his fault that I drove the truck. Why wouldn't I drive it if he said it was okay? Should I report this to someone? Who do I report this to? Thanks again for your help.
2007-02-05 06:47:32 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
They did not put in a rebuild, what they did for 1700.00 was to replace left hand tensioner, a timing kit, balance shaft tensioner, timing cover gasket set, water pump gasket set and an engine oil pan &/or gasket the receipt says. When I originally took it to this repair shop, I told them that I had been to 2 other shops who both said I needed a new motor, this shop said they could repair it. The truck was making a disel sort of sound from the motor when I brought it to them, and still when I picked it up, but the guy said "don't worry" it will go away in a 1,000 miles! I know noting of cars, but can not afford to lose 1700.00 to these repair people, Thank you for your help
2007-02-05 07:33:45 · update #1
The description of your problem is EXTREMELY loud and clear it's not even funny. You obviously have the 4.0L SOHC engine in your '98 Ford Explorer. Those engines are BIG TIME interference engines!!!! This means if the valves go out of time, they WILL BEND, rendering the cylinder heads to be garbage!!!! Who did you take it to, to do the $1700.00 repair? Was it the Ford dealership, or an independent "garage"? This particular engine requires EIGHT Ford specific tools to time the engine with, failing which WILL result in engine failure. I hope you still have the receipt for this "repair". If you require help, I can e-mail you the proper timing procedure for this particular engine. If this "garage" did not follow this procedure, THEY OWE YOU AN ENGINE!!! I will now list the tool numbers for ALL the tools required to time this particular engine right. They are as follows:
Timing Chain Tensioner
303–571 (T97T-6K254-A)
Camshaft Gear Removal Tool
303-575 (T97T-6256-F)
Camshaft Gear Torque Adapter
303–565 (T97T-6256-G)
Camshaft Gear Holding Tool
303–564 (T97T-6256-B)
Camshaft Gear Holding Tool Adapter
303–578 (T97T-6256-A)
Camshaft Holding Tool
303–577 (T97T-6256-C)
Crankshaft Holding Tool
303–573 (T97T-6303-A)
Camshaft Holding Tool Adapter
303–576 (T97T-6256-D)
Again, without the tools I've just listed, this engine will NOT be timed right, which WILL result in driveability problems, if the engine will even run at all!!!
2007-02-05 08:15:00 · answer #1 · answered by Michael 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to list some additional details on why the engine needed replaced. I'm guessing for $1700, they must have done a rebuild but it is hard to say. You could also have a potentially unrelated problem still affecting the engine but I'd like to think the original mechanics would have evaluated the engine before attempting a costly repair. Why put $1700 into an engine if it will still have problems or will likely have other problems due to things they haven't fixed? I think the mechanics are a bit shady if $1700 was already spent and you don't have the vehicle running for around 1 year.
As for the catalytic converter, the problem with that device seems unrelated to the engine repair. If it is clogged, could that be due to the engine burning oil prior to the repair?
Unless you can get the shop to resolve the problem at no cost (or minimal if it includes unrelated repairs like the catalytic converter), I would seriously consider another shop. Check with friends/neighbors to see if they can recommend a reputable shop.
2007-02-05 07:08:10 · answer #2 · answered by Jim Maryland 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why does it need a new engine? A bad converter would not make you need a engine replacement! Did it jump time? First you need to find out what is going on & why it needs the engine replaced! Find out the warranty time on the work they did 3 months ago ($1700 is way too much for a chain replacement) You can file a complaint against the business with the Better Business Bureau. I suggest taking your vehicle elsewhere for a second opinion. Something does not sound right here. Good Luck.
2007-02-05 06:59:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋