Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting My engine died at 76k

Piece of sh!t

Pinging and knocking under exceleration, other sounds (this engine is just LOUD and coarse, nothing like the original) also i believe it is low on power, seat of the pants I would say about 20 less HP.

Huh?? That would be a new one on me! I used all sorts of 87 octane and ran 69,000 miles and never missed a beat with my 97 GL Duratec. It seems if the gas was of such poor quality the car would not have even ran properly.

You said they were performing maintenance when it happened? Maybe it was something they did - starting it up with no oil perhaps? It still sounds very strange - I hope you are able to get the engine problem resolved.

The gasoline was only a guess. At this point we don't know what caused the engine to seize. All maintenance had been routinely completed, (by other mechanics.) At this point I am awaiting a new engine, (thanks for the .com parts info) and I'll let ya all know when the autopsy is performed! I guess I just had bad luck with this...it is very rare..but apparently does happen.

The motor in my 95 died at 85K. Very little notice, except for loud ticking that increased with RPM. After replacing motor, I dissasembled the old one, and like I suspected, a spun con-rod bearing was the fault. My car exhibited the same signs as yours, including not being able to crank it over.
It's well known around these forums that the Duratec has some oiling problems, esp. when going around right hand turns. There have been at least 20+ cases of blown motors that behaved exactly like yours.
Good luck with replacing it. I found a used motor from Cars of Maryland www.carsofmd.com for about $1100. Call around, as prices vary greatly.

I seem to remember someone having a similar engine failure that was due to the timing chain tensioner.. which is powered by oil pressure iirc. They had the same ticking noise and said it died when they slowed down and put the clutch in. Sorry about the bad luck.

In fact the 396 cid was known for weak rod bolts that would send the rods thru the pan or block when redlined. [/QUOTE]

Yep - I knew someone in my Corvette club that threw a rod on an original '65 396. Fortunately, the aftermarket parts for that motor are MUCH better.

I have a 98 SVT that is the wosrt car I have ever owned. I have always owned Fords. 7 Mustangs and 3 Explorers in 20 years. But never again. Can not justify supporting Ford anymore after this car. Even J.D. Edwards is slamming Ford on quality.
Heres the big one, at 57k it spins a bearing and slams a piston into the head. The cost to replace whole motor was freaking $5,100!!!! Ouch. Car is about three years old and it needs a new motor!! (I always take care of my cars by the way so no neglect here). Ford would not do a dam thing for me. This car is literally falling apart as I drive it. I will never buy another Ford again. ****ty warranty period. If a Chrysler, Izuzu or Hyandia, it would still be covered! This car is a pleasure to drive, but would never recommend a Ford to anyone. I'm switching to another company, maybe German. Bye Ford, it was fun..

Other problems:
1. Both headlight assy need to be replaced because they hold moisture (from rain/washing) and fog up.
2. Both Fog lights always blow light bulbs. Don't even bother anymore
3. Power sunroof motor broke at 45k
4. Power window broke at 50k
5. CD play died
6. Paint peeled on both sides, out of warranty but I got them to piant it by complaining loud.
7. Door hinges moan. Ford body shop say's it does not look like an fixed up accident car so groan is just plain bad fitting parts.
8. Tranny linkage cable broke around 40k
9. several recalls for dumb stuff
Just all around poor quality. I'm thinking about driving this thing over a cliff and just cutting my losses since keeping it would only throw good $$$ after bad...

HOW MANY places you gonna post this??? you posted the same thing in the chicago section too. go buy your german car and go bi**h on their forums about your new car.