Need Some Advice

[TanK203]

Hey Forum,

So it's been a while since I posted about my SHO, but here's the latest.

The car has been in the shop since April 1st. Initial issue was oil and coolant mixed together in the system. Originally thought head gasket or water pump, but it turns out it was the oil cooler that failed and allowed the two fluids to mix. Because of this, the warranty company will not cover repairs, which I am being told by the dealership will require the replacement of the engine.

I'm waiting to hear back from the service manager today, but the latest estimates is that the repair will cost between 8500 and 9500. I owe just less than 12K on the car, and I really dont like the idea of putting so much more money into the car.

I'm not really sure where to go from here. I've asked for a breakdown of the costs to understand the cost of parts and labor and will hopefully get that when the manager calls.

I'm really at a loss here as to what to do, what to ask and how to proceed. The car I've been borrowing since mine has been in the shop needs to go back to it's owner soon, so I'm in a bit of a time crunch to add fuel to the fire.

I would greatly appreciate any advice in what to do next. Thanks in advance.

 

[luigisho]

Why did the oil cooler issue void coverage? Aftermarket?
What's the market value of the car with a running engine? What is parts, what is labor? Is there another option for labor? I would consider with the used values up to get a feel for market value, swap a used motor in it and flip it/ trade it in. Or you can get a fresh new motor and drive a $20k car. Tough one as you will probably be on the hook for $20k+ either way at the end.
THe Ford service dept is not the only option here. Now if you need a Ford engine, with Ford labor to get a decent Ford warranty then maybe that's a reason.

 

[TanK203]

The oil cooler was not aftermarket. The reasoning they gave is that the contract specifically states that only items named in the list are covered, and that damage from uncovered items will not be covered. I've read over the contract numerous times and while I'm not a lawyer, it seems pretty air tight.

I'm in agreement that after all is said and done, in a private sale today with a working SHO I could probably get about 20K for it, but if I'm going to repair it, I want to drive it and even in the best case scenario it ends up being a wash.

The reason I went to ford originally was to get the ford engine, labor and warranty. Right now I'm on the hook with these guys for about 1K for a teardown required by the warranty company.

When I asked the service rep about the breakdown of the costs she mentioned the engine being about $6500 which seems high to me. I found one online for around $2400 that seems to be perfect. Hopefully if/when the service manager calls me back i can dig into that a bit more.

 

[luigisho]

If you are getting an engine from a dealer then chances are you are getting one they certify and will warranty. Whether it is a new crate engine or a reman. I would get a breakdown of costs and figure out what is right for your ability to pay and also what can be reliable after you add this to the existing cost of the vehicle. I would get what seems like the most reliable replacement for the cost.

 

[GrizzySho13]

The oil cooler was not aftermarket. The reasoning they gave is that the contract specifically states that only items named in the list are covered, and that damage from uncovered items will not be covered. I've read over the contract numerous times and while I'm not a lawyer, it seems pretty air tight.

I'm in agreement that after all is said and done, in a private sale today with a working SHO I could probably get about 20K for it, but if I'm going to repair it, I want to drive it and even in the best case scenario it ends up being a wash.

The reason I went to ford originally was to get the ford engine, labor and warranty. Right now I'm on the hook with these guys for about 1K for a teardown required by the warranty company.

When I asked the service rep about the breakdown of the costs she mentioned the engine being about $6500 which seems high to me. I found one online for around $2400 that seems to be perfect. Hopefully if/when the service manager calls me back i can dig into that a bit more.

Any updates ?

I’m in need of an engine as well

 

[ridered74]

Dealer is the worst place to get an engine replaced (or pretty much anything else). Costs are ridiculously over priced. Find a smaller shop and find a junkyard motor or a used motor and I'd bet you could get it done for under 5K easily. I'll never buy another warranty in my life. They always say it covers everything when they are selling it to you and try to make you feel stupid if you don't get it. Most of them are a complete f'ing scam.

 

[DadMobile]

I agree, buy a used motor and skip the dealer. It shouldn’t take more than 8 hours of labor for a shop to make the swap imo.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

I agree, buy a used motor and skip the dealer. It shouldn’t take more than 8 hours of labor for a shop to make the swap imo.

What it may take a skilled technician and what they charge are 2 separate things. There is a standard that is established and puplished so as to make pay even from a rookie green mechanic to a skilled veteran technician. It also levels the field from shop to shop. This protects customers and employees alike. The standard book time for a engine R&R is 17.2 hours. That does not include transfer of any optional parts (or as is the case with junkyard motors, broken, missing or damaged). Usually, with a junkyard motor you are going to pay the long block R&R which is 21.2 hours. Add in fluids, any extras (gaskets, parts, etc), shop fees, and taxes.