2004 XLT at the Crossroads

[Larry Holmes]

I had a local shop drop upper and lower oil pan assys to stop the leak and they found the plastic timing chain guide pieces and a couple of half-moon pieces of metal. So I am having them button it back up and maybe drive it until it drops. It honestly didn't exhibit any issues prior to this but the guides do have lifespan issues. I could get a Ford or Jasper reman an pay the 10 grand parts and labor (comes with parts and labor warranty). I could also get a long block cheaper, around 3 grand and have a different shop install it: I have had luck in the past with bringyourownparts.com. Besides picking a used engine from a jy, what have other Gen 1 ST enthusiasts done? It reminds me of having to put an old dog down.

 

[Todd Z]

They don't last forever anymore and are not cheap, the other issue is buying quality timing parts, Ford has discontinued most of it. So you go through the hassle of rebuilding for it only to fail again.