Originally posted by Ronan:
I dont know US law, but in Ireland if my engine died while in the custody of someone responsible for repairing and servicing, I would most certaintly be getting a lawyer involved if the garage was not willing to replace/repair the motor... *snip* ...My timing chains were replaced at 58k miles because they were loose for a while and in danger of damage. They made an awful rattling noise, and still did not snap!... *snip* ...Unless you signed a disclaimer stating that the garage accept no responsibility of damage, I think they have no choice but to replace your engine.
Good luck with getting your baby back in order




Thanks Ronan! A reply all the way from Ireland. Boy the internet is cool...

I didn't sign anything and clearly (from your story - thanks! - and those of others) apparently the timing chains rarely, if ever, bust out of the blue on these Duratec engines ... so I've got my heart sort of hung on it being an issue with the clutch not disengaging due to air in the system, resulting in no or much less damage than a "dead engine". I am surely fond of Ferret II!

I'll send an update tomorrow. Hopefully I won't have to go down any nasty roads, but, if so... I could probably make a living myself helping wronged consumers' get their money back - an arena in which being a bit obsessive and detail-oriented can actually help for once! Thanks again. Lynn

Lynn '95 Contour SE MTX, electric red, "Ferret II"