Whaddya guys know about Taurii/Sables?

[the Teuton]

Didn't someone on here have a 2.5 DOHC Duratec blow up because the timing chain failed?

M_Power's on his SVT Contour.  But, of course, it's not really an issue.

[TBR]

M_Power's on his SVT Contour.  But, of course, it's not really an issue.

I am pretty sure it wasn't a timing chain failure.

[the Teuton]

I am pretty sure it wasn't a timing chain failure.

I'm pretty sure it had something to do with a timing problem.  First, he heard a valve tick, and then the car went kablooey!

[TBR]

I'm pretty sure it had something to do with a timing problem.  First, he heard a valve tick, and then the car went kablooey!

Okay i went to a couple of ford dealerships and a couple of shops to have them take a listen to the ticking from the engine. Here is what they said:

1. Sticky lifter
2. Connecting rod bearing
3. Something wrong with the camshaft (apparently a Ford TSB)
4. Water pump

#1 is BS. #2 and #3 are gonna run me like 3-4 grand for a complete engine rebuild. #4 is gonna be about $200. I might have the water pump replaced since i've been meaning to get that done anyway. But i think i'll wait until my dad comes next week and get an opinion from him as well.

[Eye of the Tiger]

The timing chain tensioner failed, I believe.

[JWC]

Torque converters and cooling systems are the weak link with Tauruses. 

If the cooling system is brown in color, check how well the heater works.  The heater core is the first thing to clog up and requires removing the dash to repair.  If the coolant reservoir is empty, be sure to add coolant and check the container for leaks.  It will be hard to see because the typical crack happens on the bottom side against the wheel house.

As for torque converter issues.  You're on your own.  When the typical converter fails in this vehicle, the car simply stops moving.  There is no warning. You'll pull up to a stop light, when the light changes, there will be a slight jolt and that's it.

This torque converter issue also happens with Windstar/Freestar.

[the Teuton]

JWC, any more knowledge about the transmission/head gasket issues?

[JWC]

JWC, any more knowledge about the transmission/head gasket issues?

The only head gasket issues I've seen were a direct result of running too hot after coolant loss...the reservoir leaking and no one paying attention.  We have a 2002 in the shop now with blown head gaskets.  Ironically, it is the car that my wife used to drive and traded in two years ago.  The car came in for running hot and we found the reservoir leaking...estimate labor, coolant, and tank was $150.00.  Customer didn't want to spend $150.00 and allowed her 17yo to continue driving it...like he was really going to check the coolant level.  Anyway, now they are looking at a $1200.00 bill.

One other thing of note, especially on 2001+ Tauruses is a squeaking noise from the engine.  Most will diagnose it as a serp belt and belt tensioner.  In reality, the most common cause is the CMP sensor stator.  That cost is around $250-300 in shop with labor with the sensor.  Since you're there you may as well spend the $35 for the sensor and replace it too.  You will need a alignment tool to replace it.  The non-OEM sensor stator sold at NAPA and Advance comes with a plastic tool, but I've had customers who have tried using it and the success rate is around 50%.

[sparkplug]

The timing chain tensioner failed, I believe.

I didn't know timing chain had tensioner. That's interesting. I know for sure that timing belts need tensioners.

[S204STi]

I didn't know timing chain had tensioner. That's interesting. I know for sure that timing belts need tensioners.

Yeah they have guides (usually plastic) with tensioners built it to keep the chain from skipping teeth.  They would be almost impossible to install if they didn't have some slack in them from the factory, hence the need for a way to take up that slack.

[sparkplug]

Yeah they have guides (usually plastic) with tensioners built it to keep the chain from skipping teeth.  They would be almost impossible to install if they didn't have some slack in them from the factory, hence the need for a way to take up that slack.

Car nerd. You'll make a great mechanic.

Torque converters and cooling systems are the weak link with Tauruses. 

If the cooling system is brown in color, check how well the heater works.  The heater core is the first thing to clog up and requires removing the dash to repair.  If the coolant reservoir is empty, be sure to add coolant and check the container for leaks.  It will be hard to see because the typical crack happens on the bottom side against the wheel house.

As for torque converter issues.  You're on your own.  When the typical converter fails in this vehicle, the car simply stops moving.  There is no warning. You'll pull up to a stop light, when the light changes, there will be a slight jolt and that's it.

This torque converter issue also happens with Windstar/Freestar.

What happens to the torque converter.

[S204STi]

Car nerd. You'll make a great mechanic.

One of these days maybe... maybe if I wasted less time here.

What happens to the torque converter.

Stator probably breaks.  It's what forces fluid to flow a particular direction inside of the housing, and if it freewheels in both directions instead of just one direction like it should you'll lose all ability to transmit power through it.

[JWC]

Stator probably breaks.  It's what forces fluid to flow a particular direction inside of the housing, and if it freewheels in both directions instead of just one direction like it should you'll lose all ability to transmit power through it.

Yep

[J86]

2001 sable bought

[CALL_911]

Congrats, I think?

What happened to your pimpin' old Legacy?

[the Teuton]

2001 sable bought

Awesome.  Congratulations.  Vulcan or Duratec?

[S204STi]

2001 sable bought

Grats!  Wagon or sedan?

[S204STi]

Congrats, I think?

What happened to your pimpin' old Legacy?

Blew the head gasket and grenaded the motor apparently.

[Laconian]

Congratulations! ________ or ________?

[The Pirate]

pics!

[J86]

2001 Sable LS wagon.  98k.  3L V6.  Leather, pwr everything, third seat.

[SVT666]

A modern day rumble seat.  Kids love those...until they get car sick from watching everything go by backwards.

[S204STi]

2001 Sable LS wagon.  98k.  3L V6.  Leather, pwr everything, third seat.

Sweet, good deal man.  That should also tow your boats nicely.

[Eye of the Tiger]

LS? COol, that's the 200 hp one. GOod job.

[SVT_Power]

I can say SVT contour owners love getting their hands on the 3L duratecs for their own cars...

[Colonel Cadillac]

2001 sable bought

I'm going to be looking for it next year.

[J86]

I'll let you know whe I get down there. Go grab a drink or something

[Colonel Cadillac]

I'll let you know whe I get down there. Go grab a drink or something

Yeah definitely

[Pommes-T]

Awesome! Love those cars. I wish you a lot of fun with it! Man, I have a thing for american cars! 

[Laconian]

Awesome! Love those cars. I wish you a lot of fun with it! Man, I have a thing for american cars! 

Now I know how you feel when you see us gushing over Opels.