I would be interested in any pic's, e-mail them here r454g@eriecoast.com . FYI, the piston slap fix was a change in wrist pin offset (so I was told). Being that these engines have forged pistons that grow more with heat than a cast piston, and that they have a blower that causes even more heat they have a good deal of piston to wall clearence when cold. Hence, they are prone to piston slap. By changing the pin offset you can minimize slap, and increase bottom end torque. My *guess* is that Ford origanaly had a piston with zero offset (like most high performance pistons) until this problem surfaced. Zero offset helps upper rpm power and durabilaty, but can cause the piston to rock in the cylinder when cold.

 

Georgia Moon,
You can thank the stupid bean counter mentality of corporate America for your piston slap problem. Nasser (the big cheese at Ford) is on a major cost cutting spree across the board of all Ford vehicles. As a direct result of his cost cutting philosophy, the piston skirts have been shortened, which has resulted in the piston slap. Gotta love it. Take a design and redesign it to save pennies and induce problems. Gee, I wonder why the American Auto makers lost the mark back in the 80's and gave away the business to the imports. It has taken years to build the reputation back and with crap like this going on, I don't think it will take long to lose the reputation that they worked so hard to build. But, what the hell does Nasser care, he is only concerned about his stock options. Once he leaves Ford as a wealthy man, he won't care about the damage he's done. Don't worry though, this new philosophy is hitting all the American car companies. I work with an individual who is friends with an individual at Ford that knows all about what I described. I'm just venting my frustration and opinion on this type of corporate America philosophy.

 

To MRBBQMAN:
Thanks for the link but did not find any info on piston slap. One of the pics wont display on his page....but thanks.

TO 98_SVT_COBRA:
Appreciate the additional info. The engine is due in thur or fri...better charge up the digital camera. A problem we are all having is getting dead accurate info concerning piston slap etc and what ford has really done.....we need a direct inside contact to the Windsor engine plant. Technical data should not be kept such a "secret".

To Peter B:
Very interesting comments. Ford and other us mfg's are waking up to the extreme displeasure that MANY customers have to quality assurance problems and incompentant repairs. Ford is really weighing heavily the customer survey forms that customers send back in regard to their last repair visit. Dealers have told me that they live and die by these customer evaluations...but what is terribly ironic is that the dealership and customer cant evaluate Ford corporate. That would be a BIG wake up call. Thanks Peter for your comments.

 

98_SVT_COBRA: Please explain the 'Zero Offset' condition.

Tks

 

To BOOSTING-DAVE:
My mileage has been consistantly 10.5 to
11.5 mpg around town (not heavy traffic).

To PBGas:
Thanks for the reply. Paul, I agree with both you and BA. The SVT technician listened to the "sound" after many startups. His conclusion and recommendation was to replace the engine asap; I think he felt the piston slap was degrading or getting worse; therefore replace now instead of latter. The Windsor engine plant in Canada wanted to replace my engine quickly and wanted my current engine sent back to them immediately for teardown. Is there something I dont know about here ?!

 

I had piston slap in my 99 that turned into a full time knock anter 7000 miles. The swap went well, and fast. The dealer said that Ford sent a truck to pick up my old engine within a day(nothing else in the truck). My original engine was built late April 99 , which was after the "fix" was supposed to be done. I don't know where these dates come from , but I wouldn't put too much money on any of them. If its any consolation to you my new engine is more powerful than the first. Sometimes these things can work in your benefit!
Tom

 

TO blueblood :
Thanks for your reply.
I hope things work well for my BOLT with this swap. Found out an interesting bit of information concerning enginge build dates (that are on the valve cover; mine was 2-21-2000). I asked my tech how did he know a newer engine than my build date would be sent. He commented that the date on the valve cover or block IS NOT necessarily the REAL assembly or build date. Only the Windsor engine plant knowns the actual dates
of engine subassembly and final assembly.....hmmmm....so I guess if your having a major problem as in my case you hope the engine plant sends the latest improved VERSION (if that exists at all).

 

Georgia Moon Please if you could keep us posted on what happens when you get your truck back. My 00 hase made this noise since it had 100 miles on it. It now has 2000 miles and the noise seems to be getting less noticeable. I really dont want to put an engine in mine if Ford really hasent fixed the problem. I work as a Ford tech and have put the "fixed" 5.4's in and the noise goes away for 500 miles or so. If you read Sal's post he says he thought he could still hear the noise after engine replacement. If yours works i may go for it so I'm very curious. Also to anybody reading my truck had avery loud belt squeal which started on the way home from picking it up at about 50 miles, the next day I replaced the acessory drive belt not the blower belt and the noise went away until about 1300 miles when it came back only when starting cold for the first 3 to 5 min of running. all pullys look good anybody have this problem?? I have a F250SD 5.4 an a Expedition 5.4 at work that both do it too.

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WHITE 00 LIGHTNING
no mods yet

 

To QWIKPNY:
I will keep all of you posted with the engine swap on my 2000L with only 3000 miles on it. At lunch today went to the dealership;
NO engine yet. Windsor usually sends the full engine assemblies on a wooden crate by semi. You need a forklift to get it off and my dealer does not have a forklift; well I guess a bunch of guys are going to be straining their family jewels. Thnaks for responding and wish you good luck with your BOLT.

To PBGas:
The SVT technician made a judgement call in ordering the new engine. He felt that in my case it was necessary. But will tell you PB that this is really upsetting. I'm greatfull for a really outstanding service department and this news group. Was this engine swap absolutely necessary ? I dont know that answer; but this Mercury dealership here in Athens Ga has always been honest with top notch mechanics. They treat their customers with respect and ACTUALLY listen to your vehicle complaints. When I had problems with my 96 Cobra they replaced the entire cooling system and front end wiring harness...they did not put one scratch on my car. Take care of your Bolt PB. Thank you for responding.

 

Georgia.....

sounds like they must have really needed to do this. Good luck with it and I hope all goes well. I kind of felt at first that there were to many things going wrong with these trucks but now I realize that mine is just fine. Hey....at least you are getting a new motor.

Enjoy!

Paul

 

An Update!
Today took the Bolt in for the new engine. They MAY be finished by friday. I feel naked without my truck but they did give me a nice Mercury Mystic to drive. This is plain upsetting; 4000 miles now and getting a new engine. This isn't my idea of "quality job 1". Now its out of my hands and I simply hope for the best. Checked on the Bolt at lunch; it was up on the lift and saw a 3in x 6in gash under the bottom left bumper fascia (you cant see it when on the ground)and think I did it last week on a curb....(I feel pretty stupid).
All I can say at this point is that the Mercury dealership here in Athens has gone out of their way to make this as painless as possible.They have been honest and forthright and extended me every courtesy but
I'm still depressed and it kinda puts a damper on me trying to organize a Lightning gathering at the Eaton Supercharger Corporation. Please send me some good thoughts everybody.

Georgia_Moon

 

Feel lucky. Your getting a new engine and a new chance. Be happy. I’ve talk to a couple more dealers and I just get the usual pr stuff, its ok it’s suppose to slap a little. I haven’t heard from my dealer yet on the “no more replacement engines”. I’ll keep at it.
Oh, on the front bumper fascia, I think everybody has that. I scrapped mine the first day I pull into my driveway. Looks like a bear clawed at it.
Good luck.
MOB

 

To MOB:
There is something wrong with this "assumed" NEW policy(in your case)of NOT replacing piston slap engines. I've sent out a few inquiries to get information for you.
2 possibilities here..
1. There is a NEW policy or
2. Someone is stonewalling you; and if that is the case thats dispicable.
MOB, if I can find anything out will let you know ASAP...could you give me you email ?
Georgia_Moon

 

Georgia_Moon

moboyce@aol.com

Any info would be appreciated. I’m thinking about a “plan B” and “C”. I live real close to Dan Swanson. A few years back he did a chip for a Mustang I had. After July 4 I plan to pay him a visit and see what advice he can give me. Dan “is the man” in my book. I would be interested in just how your dealer connected with the new engine. Is there a buzzword they give to the Ford engineer or a special phone number they use for the slap?
Thanks.
MOB

 

I too was sick to my stomach with only 1500 miles and such a major teardown. Figured I'd be back and forth getting this tightened back down or that minor leak stopped. Couldn't be happier. Only been back for an oil change. (Well, and a new transmission) The transmission was also a one shot deal. (Sort of figured it would be though)

Only real bummer, though, is that you drive around for quite a long time looking for problems. I think sometimes I should get compensation for pain and suffering.

I am always hoping to buy a vehicle and just drive it without a worry. The peoblem with this board is that you know every last possible bolt that may be loose and you're always hearing about potential new problems. Oh well, such is life. Just be thankful that we want to get the truck back. Many performance vehicles out there, especially in the past, I think would have been given back if the opportunity presented itself. Not the L.

Hope you have the same quality work done as I got.

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