DealersEdge Professional Forums

Are we the only Ford dealer experiencing related damage (coolant intrusion)on this recall? We have had several 3.8 Windstars that come in for the recall with no engine noise and no sign of coolant intrusion. We perform head gasket replacement and send it down the road. No less than six vehicles have come back with engine related damage within a week or nine months.

No, you aren't the only one. For 95% of the 98M01 programs we did we had a related damage claim a valve grind, fluids, etc. It was crazy of Ford to think that just a headgasket change was in order. How many tech's want to put their name behind what the program prescribed? None at our place.

We have a large number of related damage claims related to 98M01. It is imperative a good evaluation of engine condition is made before repair is started. More than once we have done a repair only to discover a bottom end knock after the engine has warmed up. Also it is vital to check the timing cover gasket. If the right side of the gasket is pushed out between the cover and the block, the inner portion is most likely allowing coolant to leak into the crankcase. It is surprising ther hasn't been a program on these gaskets.

LOTS OF 98M01 CLAIMS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED AND PAID WITH RELATED DAMAGE, BUT BE CAREFUL OF THE EXPIRATION DATE / MILEAGE ON SOME UNITS. I'VE HAD A COUPLE OVERZEALOUS ADVISORS SQUIRT ONE OR TWO BY WITH COSTLY RESULTS.

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