Just took my 2001 4.6L 4X4 w/manual transmission to the dealer yesterday for the seat belt recall and an oil leak problem I have been having for the last 6 weeks. The truck has 17,000 mile on it. Oil has been leaking off the bell housing and leaving a spot about the size of a half dollar. The dealer called and said the only fix for the problem was to replace the engine! He ordered a new engine assembly and set up an appointment to replace it. Is anyone else having this problem or know anything about it?

 

Many dealers shy away from major engine repair. I think it is also because it is an unknown for them. If they can't really figure out what the problem is from the outside, they may get into a problem that requires major parts anyway. I have also heard that some sealing issues on these engines may be caused by improper surface finish on sealing surfaces. This may be difficult or impossible to fix without tearing down the engine.

In the end the new engine may be a good thing. The surprise here is that you may be getting a rebuilt, not a new engine. I'd ask some questions if you aren't happy about that. Ford apparently supplies rebuilt engines for many (all?) warranty claims. The rebuilt engines may be great, but they are not new.

 

I have a 2001 F150 V6 4.2L 4X2 regular cab with a rear main oil seal leak. I have 4200 miles and have had it worked on twice already. A mechanic that works with the State Transportation Lemon Law program told me that there have been problems with the machining of these engines and that nothing less than a new block will resolve the problem. Your problem sounds like a nightmare. Are they going to put a used engine in your truck? They should be giving us new Trucks. I may be looking at the same or a similar situation. I feel for you and would like to stay in touch so that we might stay informed of Ford's dealings with these matters.

I am employed by the State Agency that regulates the lemon law in Texas. At this point I have not made any more moves, but plan to by next week or the week after. I feel that they should give me a new truck. I certainly believe that you deserve one as well.

Write me when you can:

Doug

 

Most likely you too will get a remanned (rebuilt) engine, I'm on my third since the last week of March. I did not report my leak till I got the radiator replacement cert., by then I had racked up another 10K miles. First smoked,second cold knock/blew out number two plug and third has a warm rattle from the engine and is rough enough to shake the side view mirrors. Get the Ford regonal mananger involved as the area rep will try and blow you off with "we can only supply rebuilts. Oh and my fight is still ongoing to replace my 2001 F150 have only 30K and still under base warranty. I think something real bad happened at the Romeo engine plant and Ford is not talking about or admitting to it. Same problem with the 4.6L cars also. Good luck...................

 

Man I'm sure glad I got a Windsor block. Hope you guys get this resolved. I have had my share of little things but I have 113,000+ miles and it is running as good as new.
My only REAL concern was with Piston slap that has gotten worse with wear but has never caused a problem.
I have a brand new short block (Windsor) in my garage waiting for the day it gives out. Just insurance since the truck itself is in great shape.