Mercury Sable engine failure

My ex's 2001 Mercury Sable twin cam V6 engine bit the dust.

Per the dealer, one or more cams on the right bank did not get lubrication. The cams were destroyed and the head was damaged. They are recommending a new engine. Oil level and pressure was normal. They can't really explain the failure.

I'm not sure why the new engine recommendation. It seems like a new set of cams, a new head, etc would solve the problem.

Would they be worried about bearing material being circulated through the rest of the engine???

Is this a typical failure mode? The car only has 71,000 miles.

Doug

Reply to
Doug
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Dealers don't want to rebuild your unit. They would rather put a factory rebuilt in. Less liability and hassle for them.

Now, an independent shop could probably do what you want. But your rolling the dice if you don't inspect the bottom end.

Bob

Reply to
BOB Urz

How many oil changes in that 71,000? Less than 14? Sorry, you asked for it. Less than 20? Still looking for trouble.

Reply to
clare at snyder.on.ca

Why would you suggest the above? Oil was changed by the book since my ex got the car at 40K miles. Prior to that, I don't know.

Few modern engines sludge up that quickly.

Heck, I had a friend with a 1999 Honda Accord wagon who changed the oil every 15 to 20K miles, whether it needed it or not.... That engine still ran perfectly when he sold the car at 120K miles. However, I would not have wanted to be the next owner...

Doug

Reply to
Doug

Because people who stretch the oil change limits (even to the "normal" suggested in the manual) and then wonder why their engines blow up just don't get it.

By the book - normal or severe? NOBODY puts on "normal" miles. ALL driving is severe.

Actually, MANY do.

That was a Honda, not a Ford - and there is no accounting for luck. Some guys have it - others don't. Also, the conditions in late model engines seem to be more severe in some ways than in the late 80s to late 90s stuff. The oils have also changed - for the better in some ways, but definitely not in all.

Reply to
clare at snyder.on.ca

It's your car, it's your money. Don't come crying when it lets you down, cause I WILL say "told ya so!!"

Reply to
clare at snyder.on.ca

Surely you jest.

I go 15,000 to 18,000 miles between oil changes on my Taurus. The oil's not even getting dirty at 10,000 mi.

Rob

Reply to
trainfan1

Well, I should have prefaced my post with the fact that I am an EXPERT, please do not do this at home!

My car will disintegrate from exposure before the engine fails, by the way. I'll retire it in at ~220,000 miles or so next year.

Rob

Reply to
trainfan1

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