Losing Coolant and dropping oil pressure gauge

If this guy replaces the long block, then you won't or shouldn't have a coolant leak afterwards. I find it hard to believe that one can see a "crack in the cylinder head" looking inside the oil filler hole in the valve cover. I would want to take off the valve cover and get a good look at that crack before investing in a long block and installation. Nine psi at idle is low, but doesn't necessarily mean bearing damage. The conclusive diagnosis of bearing damage is when you drop the oil pan, take off the bearing caps, and look at the bearing surfaces. I guess it amounts to how much you trust this guy. $4,500 is a lot of money, but I guess you know that already.

Are there any other symptoms associated with this alleged metal in the rear end oil? Unusual noise comes to mind.

Good luck.

Earle

Consider quietly obtaining a 2nd opinion from another dealership, but don't mention the diagnosis, only symptoms, and see if their stories match up. If they do, mention the repair price and see if they will beat it enough to make it worth your while.

I'm surprised that this crack can be seen from the oil filler; if that were truly the case, I would think that the coolant could/would easily make its way into the oil, and as we all know, that nice frothy, milkshake-like stuff on a dipstick is a dead giveaway.

I agree, and as far as the rear end (I assume you mean axle?) if the oil has never been changed before there often will be metal bits in there from the gear break-in; Fords use magnetic plugs to collect them. Get the axle lube changed and check it after a while.

I >

Bummer....

They want 'way' too much labor for the installation by the way.....

Mike