Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications 3.0L Duratec fuel requirements for 3L SE

Depends on how much contact there was with the pistons, but I'd say out of 4 cases when I worked at the dealership and once in my own case, not once did we have to replace pistons when the valves contacted them. Of the five, two of the cases had the valve broke off. In one case there was no valve damage and only small nicks in the pistons, and in the two cases with the broken valves, the head was damaged both times, but only required replacement on one.

I hope this isn't confusing to read, but suffice it to say that in all five cases the pistons were fine, but I'd be more worried about the heads and what caused it in the first place. It doesn't matter that it was ford who reconditioned the heads, if the clearance was reduced by a shop milling too much off the heads then it is still their fault. If it happened soon after the install, its possible that they were timed improperly, possible that the guides were worn or tensioner had a problem, or other small issues. Bottom line is you need to determine the exact cause of the failure.

Also, GET A SECOND INDEPENDENT OPINION!!! I can emphasize this enough as I have seen attempted fraud first hand while I worked at the dealership by mechanics who were trying to make work for themselves. This is the exact time of year to be carefull since Christmas has tapped out most people's savings and they tend to have less work done on cars. Therefore the mechanics are working flat rate and are not making money at this time of year...there is a tendency to 'find' things wrong and in some cases capitalize on simple easy jobs by making mountains out of molehills. The car sets in the shop for a week and the mechanic quickly fixes the problem the last day and gets paid for many more hours.
Yes its sad, I was always concientious and most mechanics are...just not all.
Then there is the occasional mis-diagnosis.
So get a second opinion.

warmonger