BlueOvalFitter is right. There was a TSB on the 3.8/4.2 for gasket problems. Obviously the tech that worked on your truck doesnt know how to run what we ford techs call oasis. TSB # 99-20-7

 

Thanks. Another stupid question- How do I read the detail for the TSB's?

 

Here you go. read away...
http://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/fullt...hp?tsb=99-20-7

 

Thanks. I'll be sure to pass on this info to Service King & retain it for anything I should do with ford after I get my truck back.

 

They already know all this information!They are playing stupid;aka-covering there a$$!

 

I deffiinetly agree with BlueOvalFitter! the service depts manager HAS to know this. I worked at a Chrysler lot a few years back and they even tried to pull that one on me! I had a friend take his Saturn to Monroe becuase he was having some problems with startup and they managed to lock his motor somehow. They did everything they tried, but ended up dropping 3.5k in a new longblock. Difference is, you have resources, hard evidence, and some serious support!! Go get em!!!

 

I'm still in the process of trying to see if I have any legal leverage at all. While it's pretty clear that the dealership's mechanic made a bad decision, and this hydrolock issue looks like it's due to crappy gaskets on the 97-98 4.2's, and the TSB 99207 is covered under the 100k emissions warrantee; The TSB is just a procedure to install new gaskets & does not address any damage that may have been caused by the leak. I've got way over 100,000 miles on the engine & from reading about all the people that have had this problem the hydrolock condition can happen all at once. I'm not done looking into this yet, but right now it looks like I may just be SOL- and my situation may fall under the s**t happens catagory. Just think about this for a minute- truck is 10+ years old, has almost 140,000 miles on it. If this ever got to a judge it might just be laughed out of court. I'm thinking about calling the Waxahachie police department to see what I can do as far as picketting outside the dealership
I should be getting estimates from Service King on Monday on a used engine and remanufactored long block. I think I remember reading about people getting a used low-mileage engine for around $1,600, and the installation will be less than a long block (I'll just make sure it's a 99 or later).

 

Picketting is as follows;
you can picket the drive entrance till the local police are involved.
you can then move to any property adjacent to the entrance @ which time you want to purchase a cb radio and an external Pa. speaker,mount the speaker toward the traffic side and talk,talk talk,tell the world your problems and they will listen,bring you coffee and donuts.Also get a couple of 4x8 sheets of 3/8 or thicker plywood and make a sign of your grievences and make sure the lettering is 12" so the traffic can read it.Black background paint and yellow or white letter color and find a yellow revolving light to attract attention to you.
It is also a good idea to get written permission slip signed by the property owner you park @ to picket.The larger you picket(signs,noise,notice of the public)the sooner the dealership will talk!
they will talk if you draw potential customers your way!!!!
one more thing set up 4 lawn chairs and a round table so people can sit and talk with you, make them comfortable,give them a feeling they are involved in your pain,make them your allies,friend!!

 

HAHA,TSDan is this speaking from experince? You seem to have it down to an art?

 

Yes,the dodge dealership it use to be in Schereville.In.,Now it is in Cedar Lake, In.
when my Dad got shafted on a deal from them with a warranty issue on a dodge horizon.The oldman got pissed and set up shop for over 3 months.He was a heart patient and had plenty of time to kill.It worked!

 

Wow, I was being sarcastic, but after hearing that story...that's too badass! Respect!