Oil leak is new glitch for Ford GT
Automaker resurrects 'Speedi-Sleeve' to address rare problem

By Amy Wilson
Automotive News / February 28, 2005

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is using a time-tested but unusual repair method to fix an engine oil leak in its flagship GT sports car. It is telling dealership mechanics to install a "Speedi-Sleeve" to stop oil from leaking from the crankshaft rear seal. It is one of several fixes being prescribed for the GT when the car goes into the shop for a major suspension recall.

The sleeves have been used for decades, largely on older, high-mileage cars or those undergoing an overhaul. It's extremely unusual for them to be used by a manufacturer on a new car, sources say.

"They work, but, gosh, it shouldn't happen," one Ford dealer says. "It's highly unusual. If I were the owner of a $150,000 race car, I wouldn't be happy about it."

The engine oil leak, which is caused by an improper finish on the crankshaft, isn't a problem in all cars, Ford spokeswoman Kristen Kinley says. The crankshaft finish has been fixed for cars in production.

For vehicles with the problem, the Speedi-Sleeve will close any gaps that might allow engine oil to leak. The device is a metal band that fits over the end of the crankshaft, increasing its diameter and making a tighter fit against the seal. The Speedi-Sleeve itself is a low-cost part but requires several hours of labor to install.

Until the GT, the sleeves hadn't been used by Ford, at least in recent years, Kinley says. She says it's uncommon because Ford hasn't experienced this type of leak during that period.

While all GTs will get new suspension control arms, not all of the cars are expected to need the other repairs. In addition to two recalls, Ford has issued nine technical service bulletins and one special service message on the GT. Problems range from the leaking crankshaft seal and blemishes on seat belt webbing to a rattle in the upper steering column and leaking power steering fluid.

"All of our customers are important, but (with) this one, we're really giving them the white-glove treatment," Kinley says. "We had an issue with the control arm. We don't want to take the chance we're going to have an issue with anything else."

Ford recalled the vehicle Dec. 16, ordering owners not to drive it after a crack was discovered in a test vehicle's control arm. A recall for a fuel tank vapor leak that affected about 45 cars was issued at the same time.

Ford assembled 448 cars before the recall; 111 were in owners' possession. Thirty-five cars have been repaired. Ford resumed limited GT assembly the week of Feb. 7. Ford aims to complete the suspension recall during the next few weeks. Eight control arms in each car are being swapped out from a cast part to a forged part.

The other service advisories are expected to affect a much smaller number of cars.

 

If I had bought one of these only to find that it has all these problems, Ford would be buying it back pronto . . . or else young William C. Ford Jr. would be have a GT suppository shoved up his A$$.

There is no excuse for this . . . and their remedies are not acceptable. It clearly deomonstrates that they have not been giving this vehicle the attention to detail it deserves (and requires).

However, really, should anyone be surprised? This is what happens when a company like Ford tries to build an exotic. They are out of their league on this one. Too bad too, I like the GT, wanted it to work out, but alas . . . such is not the case.

They need to stick to cars for the masses, and trucks.

 

eh, think of the SR-71--those things leaked fuel like a sieve on the ground. As soon as they heated up from air friction, the metal expanded and the seals went tight. After take off, the first thing it has to do is refuel in midair due to all the fuel leaking out.

such machines just can't last too long...

but then again, that's a lot of cash for an oil leaker whose wheels fall off...

 

However, really, should anyone be surprised? This is what happens when a company like Ford tries to build an exotic. They are out of their league on this one. Too bad too, I like the GT, wanted it to work out, but alas . . . such is not the case.

They need to stick to cars for the masses, and trucks.

how can you say that?...gosh i hope others feel the same way...with this car they WILL cure the problem and make everyone smile!! ford was the FIRST to go and beat ferrari at their own game..in there house so to speak...dont worry the KING will be back!!!...zap

 

Recalls are a harsh fact of life...however, IMO, they're unacceptable on an expensive, low production unit like a GT. At least Ford's trying to make it right.

 

Certainly, within the talent pool of the company, they know how to build exotic cars.

After all, Ford owns Aston Martin (as well as a number of other makes). While an Aston isn't the same genre of car as the GT, they are pricey cars that seem to be well-received and well-built.

It just seems that Ford has a bad habit of late, releasing cars only to recall them soon after... Not really limited to just Ford, but after a few bad launches and negative publicity, and promises that they are working hard to get it right the first time, you'd think they could get things squared away.

 

please, its just a hiccup. they will fix the GT and everything will be beautiful, there not outclassed here. look at the ferrari's lucky you can keep one running for an extended period of time, not to mention the porches.


dont hate

 

recalls..look at dalmer christalmighty ...zap!