After 140,000 miles, I had a valve seat fail (disintegrate) in one of my cylinders and so I'm debating replacing the motor.
I heard this is a common problem with this motor, and so I'm hesitant to get a motor from a junk yard, or to purchase a rebuilt motor. I'm even a bit hesitant to even purchase a new motor from Ford.
How often does valve seat failure occur? Is there a typical engine mileage band where this is more likely to occur? For example, above
100,000 miles?If I go to Ford and purchase a new motor, are these engines any better built than the engines that came with the 2002 Focus?
Finally, what is a good price for a new engine? How much should I expect to pay for a rebuilt or junk-yard engine?
This has been a fantastic car, and so I'm hoping I can find a good replacement that will last at least another 50,000 to 100,000 miles without any new engine related failures.