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.

 

[Larry Holmes]

After exploring options I ordered a used VIN-matched engine with ~86K miles. If I get another 86K with it I'd be satisfied. First thing when it arrives is drop the lower pan to see if there's any like debris while holding my breath in suspense. Also found a mechanic to do the swap on-site. The bottom line is about almost $4K. A new remanufactured long block with installation is >$9K.

 

[SwampTrac]

This is good to hear. Fingers crossed theres no plastic in the pan! 4K isnt bad when you think about it, imagine finding a truck with 86K for only 4K. Thats impossible these days.

 

[Larry Holmes]

This is good to hear. Fingers crossed theres no plastic in the pan! 4K isnt bad when you think about it, imagine finding a truck with 86K for only 4K. Thats impossible these days.

You're right about the value all things considered. The only items that were never serviced or replaced on this one are the starter and the alternator. About everything else has so the original $16K+ cost was paid to the bank and now I've almost paid that much again to the mechanics and the parts stores. Not bad for 20 years of service so far and maybe another 10 if lucky. If the replacement engine is sound when it arrives, I'll also swap the recently replaced timing chain tensioners and the metal thermostat housing from the 162K mile veteran engine.