I have a Pro-Bono case I occasionally do some auto work for. His current POS is a 96 Ford Crown Vic with a 4.6.160,000 miles. Driving home the other day, a loud "Bang?" was heard, some smoke then running very very poor. Towed Home. I looked at it today, and let him start it- Definitely something amiss- Sounds out of time during cranking (you know the whine-low compression sound) and when it fires it real ruff. First guess is it jumped timing on one cam. defiantly more than one cylinder not firing/on time. Also note end of dipstick gone, and no oil reading on the stick that remains.
Is the timing chain a issue on this engine? Chance of valve damage?
Haven't had time to compression test yet, maybe this weekend. debating what to do with this thing. My choice it to trash it ehm, but he owes 1500 on it yet.
Opinions?