Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Possible connection to SVT engine failures?

Hi guys,

You should read this article about the 96-99 Duratec V8 engine failures in the SHO's. Since the SHO's V8 is based on the Duratec 2.5L V6 I won't if any Contours have had similar problems.

I guess the problem stems from the cam sprocket. It apparently becomes loose and slips and good nite V8. Some people were saying $15,000 damage? That seems WAY to high. It would be cheaper to get a reconditioned engine.

Much like the SVT engine problems, Ford is not willing to admit that there even IS a problem. Maybe SVT owners can get some attention to our problems now. I am concerned that negative press will affect the cars resale value though.

Some people are having the sprocket welded on so it doesn't come loose.

So the question, is the 2.5L sprocket connected in the same way as the 3.4L V8? And has anyone had this type of failure?


http://www.auto.com/industry/taurus24_20021024.htm

Originally posted by Nate Payeur:

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So the question, is the 2.5L sprocket connected in the same way as the 3.4L V8? And has anyone had this type of failure?

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I can't give you a definitive answer on the sprocket/cam assembly, but I think there are enough high mileage Duratec engines, both 2.5 and 3.0L, in existance that if this was really a problem it would have surfaced by now.

The cam sprockets on the 2.5 & 3.0L Duratecs are press fit on. The only exception is the 2001+ Lincoln LS has the sprocket bolted on to the cam because they changed from a hollow tube cam to a cast cam. I have never heard of any Duratec cam sprocket coming loose.