My 00L started running on 7 cylynders yesterday so today i checked it out and it was #5 driver side front had the plug tip burnt right off including all the ceramic down to the threads.So i bought a coil pack and new plug and it was not any better,did a compression check and it read 75..dead cylynder.Then i had my wifes cousin use his scope to look at the piston and he said it is not cracked but has obvious damage. Before i bring it to the dealer should i push for a new motor when the top of the piston is gouged or should i except the new head they will probably try and push as the fix?

 

Sounds like you need a new head and at least a piston. If you're still under warranty i'd want a complete engine. If they won't budge and just want to repair whats damaged, you may have to settle so hopefully they'll fix it right the first time. Good luck.

 

Thanks frank,i am under warranty and to my knowledge ford does not replace pistons but rather the whole motor.But they still may try and replace the head saying the piston has not susstained enough damage.I was wondering if others would push for the new motor as apposed to a new head in my situation.My thinking is a new motor knowing there is piston damage,this is why i diagnosed the problem every way i know how before bringing it in.

 

Were they factory plugs? If not, you'd better change back to factory before the dealer sees it.

Frank

 

They were not factory plugs but when i got the ic fix the invoice says they put in 12fm1's so that will be the dealers problem.They changed no plugs that day. this dealer is mod freindly anyway. But i plan on taking a few things off.

 

Dealerships are authorized if told to do so to replace heads, but not rebuild engines or change pistons. If you have zero compression they will order up another engine. I have been told that in the past new engines have been supplied; however, now enough engines have been returned that you will now get a Ford remanufactured engine which is normally what Ford supplies when replacing an engine under warranty.
noelvm

 

Hope you do not get my 01 motor, They started pulling mine out today and are getting me a new one. Good luck Greg
Jeff

 

Noelvm, i realize they replace heads but not pistons at the dealer thanks to all the great info on this board.What i am looking for is opinions on whether other owners would push for a new motor,rebuilt or not if they new they had piston damage.Or would they settle for a new head,and most likely compression that is not up to par in that cylynder.

Jeff, i told you i was close to being in your shoes. I don't think they will try sending me yours lol.I guess if it takes 0 compression,i will have to go for a little cruise lol.

 

So you're saying you had in aftermarket plugs yourself, but the dealer states they changed them when they didn't?

Restate that please.

BfB

 

BfB, actually in july when it was 105 heat index i had another svt dealer install aftermarket plugs as it takes me 2.5-3 hours to do them. Then my svt dealer in august did the updated ic on my 00 and the invoice they give you says 10[i had no idea i had a 10 cylynder] agsf-12F-m1 spark plug and assembly. So the aftermarket plugs were supposed to be history as far as i new.And i have the invoice in front of me.Hmmmm,a little leverage maybe if they try to push a new head on me.

 

No, I'd say A LOT of leverage if they try and push aftermarket plugs was the culprit problem on you.

Be VERY prepared for this!

What were they...Splitfires?

Here's a scenario: Ford claims aftermarket plugs did it. Court or arbitration states you need to go after the plug manufacturer.

It can happen!

BfB

 

BfB,no they were tr6's but i am not blaming it on the plugs as i have told people repeatedly in the past...it's not the plugs it's there tune and mods.Tuners are not to blame either as we owners are basically feeling the need for speed and using mods that have Not been time proven by anyone. I do feel ford could make the engines a little more stout though.Another local L owner also had ngk's and lost 3 connecting rods and pistons. People need to think and quit blaming plug or tuner brands and realize "That going fast costs more than meets the eye or pocketbook,or something" I was not running juice so my little problem will probably be covered,but if this was not the case...you know the saying pay to play. Anyways i am still waiting for opinions on whether others in my shoes would except a new head with a damaged piston or push for a new motor.

 

A damaged piston will most likely call for a complete new crate motor. I believe it does.

BfB

 

Greg,

I see everybody shut up real fast when you told them it was NGK's and not Splitfires. I've seen all these plugs fail so you can save your witch hunt for halloween. Detonation no matter how slight can eventually take out any plug. With blower whine it would be hard to detect it. Being a little lean can do the same thing. A chip can easily be a little out of range in one of these areas with all the mods we throw at them.

I'm just glad it wasn't Splits like you ran for 17,000 miles in the past. There are some people that would have argued for days on end that it was the plugs but since you had NGK's well it's no way it could have been the plugs, LMAO.

It's just like you said above. If you push them be prepared for the worst and if everything goes right it won't happen.

 

Chuck,it was more like 18k or so on the splits but my mods changed since then.Imagine my suprise when i pulled the plug only to find an ngk,when it should have been a stock plug.No plug wars here,any brand would have been cooked after looking at this one. Most do not post when they have fried plugs and or pistons for obvious reasons,but i had intended to upgrade the internals anyway...now its just a matter of will i be upgrading an 00 or 01 motor.

GREG