I'm a new member but have owned my 1998 MarkVIII for 4 years and love it! Only problem is, at 48,000 miles and on a leasurely drive home from work on surface streets, the engine blew 2 valve springs and broke a couple of rocker arms! It has been in the shop for the last 3 weeks where the heads had to be resurfaced, the valves ground and springs and rocker arms replaced. Has anyone else experienced this type of breakdown or heard of it before? As I understand it, the Duratech engine is advertised as not needing a tuneup for the first 100,000 miles and I have been diligent about maintenance, oil changes, etc. I was told by the mechanics that they can see no reason for the breakdown as the oil was clean/new and the engine looked perfect. As the warrantee was up last February and this is probably going to cost me between $2500 and $3000, I am considering writing to Lincoln Mercury about this and including all the documentation from the mechanics when I get the car back. Any advice? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Valve springs and rocker arms
- Thread starter rlandrum
- Start date
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
This is the first time I heard of something like that on a stock engine, especially with only 48k miles. I would contact Lincoln about this. That sucks that it happened right after the warranty. Also for something like that to happen and for that money I may have went with a create engine, even the dealers don't work on these engines.
This is the first time I heard of something like that on a stock engine, especially with only 48k miles. I would contact Lincoln about this. That sucks that it happened right after the warranty. Also for something like that to happen and for that money I may have went with a create engine, even the dealers don't work on these engines.
sleeper
Former LOD President
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
If your engine is stock, you have all maintenance records, and the mileage is really that low, you might be able to get Lincoln to cover it. They can do an "OWA", an out-of-warranty adjustment, to cover things like this. You just have to know where to go. Try asking some questions at www.flatratetech.com. That's a board for ford technicians, they might be able to point you to a dealer that is likely to help you out.
If your engine is stock, you have all maintenance records, and the mileage is really that low, you might be able to get Lincoln to cover it. They can do an "OWA", an out-of-warranty adjustment, to cover things like this. You just have to know where to go. Try asking some questions at www.flatratetech.com. That's a board for ford technicians, they might be able to point you to a dealer that is likely to help you out.
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
I agree that a good place to ask about this would be at www.flatratetech.com - it's inconceivable to me that this would happen at that mileage, unless your normal mode of driving is floor it 'til redline...
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
I agree that a good place to ask about this would be at www.flatratetech.com - it's inconceivable to me that this would happen at that mileage, unless your normal mode of driving is floor it 'til redline...
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Wow! Thanks for the prompt response. I have checked the board you suggested and received one positive response so far, so thanks for the suggestion. As to my driving style, I floored the car approximately once in the last 4 years and that was on the freeway when I was already going 60 mph. It roared and took off like a bat outa hell and I backed off almost immediately. I guess that answers that question. Thanks again for the help, guys.
Wow! Thanks for the prompt response. I have checked the board you suggested and received one positive response so far, so thanks for the suggestion. As to my driving style, I floored the car approximately once in the last 4 years and that was on the freeway when I was already going 60 mph. It roared and took off like a bat outa hell and I backed off almost immediately. I guess that answers that question. Thanks again for the help, guys.
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Lincoln should really do something. While you're out of the "time" warranty, the mileage is warranted for 50,000, and since you're so close on the time, I'd really push it up the ladder...
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
Lincoln should really do something. While you're out of the "time" warranty, the mileage is warranted for 50,000, and since you're so close on the time, I'd really push it up the ladder...
John
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC
'96 T-Bird 4.6L
Greenemachine
Registered
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
I just had my spring and rocker arm replaced in cylinder #1. My car ran really rough, lost power and almost felt like the whole engine was blown. I had a check engine light and everytime I check it read different codes. my car still is getting the chk engine light and I think I have some more major problems.
I just had my spring and rocker arm replaced in cylinder #1. My car ran really rough, lost power and almost felt like the whole engine was blown. I had a check engine light and everytime I check it read different codes. my car still is getting the chk engine light and I think I have some more major problems.
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
That's just how mine felt when it went bad. Turns out I lost the springs and rocker arms to cylinders #1 and #4. But my check engine light didn't come on and the on-board system check came back clean! Since the car "obviously" wasn't right, I had it towed to my dealer for a diagnostic - $150. They told me I had no compression in the above cylinders and wanted to charge me $1000 just to tear down the engine to find out what was wrong. Then it would cost me whatever for the repair and another $1000 to put it back together. With that in mind I had it towed to an outside shop. The problem is, I'm out of both the warrantee period AND the OWA, and since I used an outside mechanic the chances are slim that Lincoln will help with the repair costs. Depending on the state of your warrantee, your chances are better for re-embursement if you use a Lincoln dealer - if you can stand the cost.
That's just how mine felt when it went bad. Turns out I lost the springs and rocker arms to cylinders #1 and #4. But my check engine light didn't come on and the on-board system check came back clean! Since the car "obviously" wasn't right, I had it towed to my dealer for a diagnostic - $150. They told me I had no compression in the above cylinders and wanted to charge me $1000 just to tear down the engine to find out what was wrong. Then it would cost me whatever for the repair and another $1000 to put it back together. With that in mind I had it towed to an outside shop. The problem is, I'm out of both the warrantee period AND the OWA, and since I used an outside mechanic the chances are slim that Lincoln will help with the repair costs. Depending on the state of your warrantee, your chances are better for re-embursement if you use a Lincoln dealer - if you can stand the cost.
sleeper
Former LOD President
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Is the mechanic tearing down the motor and redoing it? That's a big dollar repair. You'd be a lot better off just getting a junkyard motor, if you're paying out of pocket. If the mechanic hasn't torn into it yet, just find a motor or see about an OWA. You're likely to spend a LOT of money to get that motor fixed.
Is the mechanic tearing down the motor and redoing it? That's a big dollar repair. You'd be a lot better off just getting a junkyard motor, if you're paying out of pocket. If the mechanic hasn't torn into it yet, just find a motor or see about an OWA. You're likely to spend a LOT of money to get that motor fixed.
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
These OHC engines don't really have rocker arms but something similar. Right?
http://members.tccoa.com/lastmrk/Images/lastmrk2.jpg
These OHC engines don't really have rocker arms but something similar. Right?
http://members.tccoa.com/lastmrk/Images/lastmrk2.jpg
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Now you tell me! Yes, the mechanic has had the car for 3.5 weeks now, and baring anymore delays (i.e., flu), I should get the car back, and the bill, by the end of this week. The work done includes resurfacing the heads, a valve job, new springs and rocker arms. Estimated cost, $3000 (not counting the rental car bill, which the mechanic has offered to pay half). Figuring the price of a new "crate" engine is probably around $5000, at this point it's probably a toss-up. As for a junkyard motor, I don't know enough about it to trust my judgement or choice. Since I love the car (even now) and plan on keeping it for some time, did I make a bad decision having it repaired?
Now you tell me! Yes, the mechanic has had the car for 3.5 weeks now, and baring anymore delays (i.e., flu), I should get the car back, and the bill, by the end of this week. The work done includes resurfacing the heads, a valve job, new springs and rocker arms. Estimated cost, $3000 (not counting the rental car bill, which the mechanic has offered to pay half). Figuring the price of a new "crate" engine is probably around $5000, at this point it's probably a toss-up. As for a junkyard motor, I don't know enough about it to trust my judgement or choice. Since I love the car (even now) and plan on keeping it for some time, did I make a bad decision having it repaired?
sleeper
Former LOD President
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Other than the financial aspect, it's not a bad decision. I'd be interested to know how much he took off the head(s) when he resurfaced them, because that will change the valve timing slightly and raise the compression slightly, unless a thicker head gasket can be found to make up the difference. Other than that, the top end of that motor should be as good as new.
And no, we don't have "rocker arms". They're "hydraulic followers" but they perform a similar function, so your average mechanic is going to call them rocker arms.
Other than the financial aspect, it's not a bad decision. I'd be interested to know how much he took off the head(s) when he resurfaced them, because that will change the valve timing slightly and raise the compression slightly, unless a thicker head gasket can be found to make up the difference. Other than that, the top end of that motor should be as good as new.
And no, we don't have "rocker arms". They're "hydraulic followers" but they perform a similar function, so your average mechanic is going to call them rocker arms.
LINCOLNBOY
Registered
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
i had a broken valve spring on my 95 cougar and just in the morning would run rough for bout 5 minutes then quit. and after bout a week gone by it ran rough evertime i started the car. no c.e. light.you could feel a diff. after it was changed
i had a broken valve spring on my 95 cougar and just in the morning would run rough for bout 5 minutes then quit. and after bout a week gone by it ran rough evertime i started the car. no c.e. light.you could feel a diff. after it was changed
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
For $4100.00 I could have sent you a 300 HP 1998 Cobra engine with zero miles along with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty and a FREE flexplate to match the Cobra crank to the 4R70W.
http://www.maxrpm.com/mk8cobra.jpg
I would have just done the whole crate engine at that point especially since it wasn't that much more in cost and you said you want to keep this car.
I wish you luck.
Oh and you will not be affected one bit by the milling of the head. There is such a miniscule change in the compression and timing, so little that its not even worth mentioning.
For $4100.00 I could have sent you a 300 HP 1998 Cobra engine with zero miles along with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty and a FREE flexplate to match the Cobra crank to the 4R70W.
http://www.maxrpm.com/mk8cobra.jpg
I would have just done the whole crate engine at that point especially since it wasn't that much more in cost and you said you want to keep this car.
I wish you luck.
Oh and you will not be affected one bit by the milling of the head. There is such a miniscule change in the compression and timing, so little that its not even worth mentioning.
unstoppable
Registered
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Actually there is a certain allowable amount that can be taken off the heads.I dont remember off the top of my head what it is though.Any more than said amount and the head should be replaced.So it really depends on how bad it was.The compression isn't the big deal.The big deal is Like Dave said, the cam timing.The chain tensioners can take up some of the slack,but being an OHC motor the distance from the cam to the crank is crucial.
Actually there is a certain allowable amount that can be taken off the heads.I dont remember off the top of my head what it is though.Any more than said amount and the head should be replaced.So it really depends on how bad it was.The compression isn't the big deal.The big deal is Like Dave said, the cam timing.The chain tensioners can take up some of the slack,but being an OHC motor the distance from the cam to the crank is crucial.
RE: Valve springs and rocker arms
Ohhhhhh, if only.... "Hindsight is always right". Had I known about you beforehand I would have definitely gone for the Cobra engine. Had I known what would transpire during the 5 weeks(!) it spent in the shop, I would have plunked down the $4100 with a big, toothy smile on my face. But alas, I didn't know and after 5 weeks and $3900 worth of parts and labor, I finally picked the car up last night. Except for a tapping/clicking noise on acceleration the engine seems to be running well. The mechanic warned me that I would hear the tapping (sounds like valves - yes, a valve job was included) noise and not to worry. The hydraulic lifters had fill back up with fluid and the tapping sound would disappear in a couple of days. I can only hope!
Thanks to all of you for your attention and advice. I truly, truly appreciate it.
Ohhhhhh, if only.... "Hindsight is always right". Had I known about you beforehand I would have definitely gone for the Cobra engine. Had I known what would transpire during the 5 weeks(!) it spent in the shop, I would have plunked down the $4100 with a big, toothy smile on my face. But alas, I didn't know and after 5 weeks and $3900 worth of parts and labor, I finally picked the car up last night. Except for a tapping/clicking noise on acceleration the engine seems to be running well. The mechanic warned me that I would hear the tapping (sounds like valves - yes, a valve job was included) noise and not to worry. The hydraulic lifters had fill back up with fluid and the tapping sound would disappear in a couple of days. I can only hope!
Thanks to all of you for your attention and advice. I truly, truly appreciate it.