Took her in for the infamous "blue smoke" issue

[Alan]

wesman: I might need to use that technique!
Tom: You are absolutely correct.

I think this will be my course of action:
Drive the MM for 1000 miles, bring it in, let them run an oil consumption test.
Their response will dictate my next step. If they tell me "That's just the way it is.", I will have them note that on my service records and request any future repairs related to this issue be covered in full by Ford. I will also call 1.800.392.FORD and ask for the Ford Zone Rep of my area to speak to them about the issue and see what he/she suggests. If they replace the valve seals under warranty I will applaud their efforts, thank them for their professionalism, and contact my Ford Zone Rep and compliment the dealer on a job well done.

I think I owe it to myself, and to Ford, to follow their directions and doing as they've suggested. I will continue down this path until all avenues are exhausted.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Again I hate to see people get jerked around, a oil consumption test may show NOTHING if its a bad drivers head, there is a TSB on this, I am in school for two days if you call me on Friday I will fax this over to you.

[Alan]

Again I hate to see people get jerked around, a oil consumption test may show NOTHING if its a bad drivers head, there is a TSB on this, I am in school for two days if you call me on Friday I will fax this over to you.

Dennis - many thanks! I look forward to calling you on Friday.

[Dennis Reinhart]

Dropped the MM off at the dealership first thing this morning for the infamous "blue smoke on startup" issue.

I know this is a hot topic, so I will do my best to keep you updated with what my dealer says, what they find out, anything that is done to the vehicle, and will describe any pre- and post- follow-up diagnostics they run.

HERE IS THE TSB FOR THE TICKING NOISE this apply AS WELL AS BLUE SMOKE ON START UP.

Now it does no specifically say smoke on start up, but you have to read the TSB it states that there will be damage to the valve guides, which of course will cause oil to leak in the cylinders, and some of you may wonder why they do not change both heads the answer is very simple the passenger head was made by a different company and they do not have this issue, only on the drivers side, so I hope this helps the members here I have already arranger to have member in Miami to bring the car and I will have the head replaced UNDER WARRANTY.

[Alan]

HERE IS THE TSB FOR THE TICKING NOISE this apply AS WELL AS BLUE SMOKE ON START UP...

Dennis,

I wanted to publicly thank you for your help in this matter. Thanks for taking time out of your already hectic schedule to send the information. I appreciate it more than you know.

[Lowell]

I will verify the findings of the TSB. My MM was at the dealer for a length of time. I did not rush them. The valve guide seal are replaced. The dealer kept my MM one extra day to let sit overnight, it did not smoke for them. The dealers driver brought my car to me and picked up the loaner. My MM sat for four hours. Blue smoke on start up. Drivers side head is in at the dealer. Drivers side head will be replaced after MVIII. Be polite be persistant. Issues are resolvable. My dealer did no damage to my MM while in for service. Best of luck to all who share this issue.

[Big House]

Alan,

Very well put. And I assure you Sarge meant no harm by his remark. I would though like to commend you on word choice and usage. I have experienced in other forums, where one took another's words wrongy and proceded to; how shall I say "rip them a new one." So I say to you "good on ya mate."

Big House

Sarge,

This is the only part of your response I don't quite understand:



It's hard to know your emotion since we are dealing with the written word. I don't like to assume...but from meeting you briefly at the first Marauderville and from what I've gathered on this board...I predict that this isn't a personal jab at my character for reporting an issue. I get the sense that you're trying to convey a message of "drive it like you stole it and have fun doing it." As always, I appreciate your candor and willingness to help others with your wisdom and knowledge...and I appreciate your insight.

I can't recall a time where I complained about the issue. I merely experienced what others had experienced, the blue smoke on startup, and wanted my dealer to look at it while the vehicle was still under warranty.

That said, I agree with Blackened300a that at least now it is well documented with my dealership. I have been proactive in trying to resolve the issue and report it in a fair and balanced way to others here so that they might gleen something from what I experience with this particular issue. I will follow the dealer directions and bring the vehicle back to them in 1000 miles so that they can conduct their tests and further document a concern. I will again report the findings. If Ford says, "That's just what it does"...so be it.

[Alan]

Lowell,

Interesting post! Correct me if I followed it wrong...but it appears as if you are saying that after your dealer replaced your valve seals, you continued to get blue smoke at startup. Now they're going to replace the entire head? Please keep us updated on your situation. I am very interested. I hope to use the information that Dennis provided as a tool when I meet next with my service manager.


Big House: Thanks for your kind words, sir!

[Dennis Reinhart]

Lowell,

Interesting post! Correct me if I followed it wrong...but it appears as if you are saying that after your dealer replaced your valve seals, you continued to get blue smoke at startup. Now they're going to replace the entire head? Please keep us updated on your situation. I am very interested. I hope to use the information that Dennis provided as a tool when I meet next with my service manager.


Big House: Thanks for your kind words, sir!

Gee I dont know how to say it any more, if you have the bad head replacing the valve guide seals will not fix the problem, since its a bad casting the only way to fix this is by replacing the head. This apears to be the case here the dealer may not be aware of the TSB they soon will be and they can call Ed Roberts here in Orange Park he can help.

[Alan]

Dennis,

I hear ya on that one! Maybe Lowell can give more detail about his situation. I guess he can provide whether or not he was getting the tick..tick...tick noise or if he was just experiencing smoke at startup like me.

I may be wrong...but I seem to remember reading that early 300As were "typically" the ones with bad heads. I think a couple of you alluded to that after my original post. Not sure what Lowell has, but mine is a 300B. I've yet to experience the ticking noise others have.

I'll show my service manager the information you sent and keep everyone posted on where that leads.

Thanks again for your expertise, Dennis!

[Lowell]

I Have a 300A built 7-02. I never heard a tick. My dealer is now aware of the TSB. My dealer had several phone calls with Ford. My dealer had to go several levels to get an individual, who was aware of the drivers side head issue on the MM. I am very happy to be near the end of this issue.

[Alan]

I Have a 300A built 7-02. I never heard a tick. My dealer is now aware of the TSB. My dealer had several phone calls with Ford. My dealer had to go several levels to get an individual, who was aware of the drivers side head issue on the MM. I am very happy to be near the end of this issue.

That's great news, Lowell. Keep us updated!

[Tinaree]

HERE IS THE TSB FOR THE TICKING NOISE this apply AS WELL AS BLUE SMOKE ON START UP.

Now it does no specifically say smoke on start up, but you have to read the TSB it states that there will be damage to the valve guides, which of course will cause oil to leak in the cylinders, and some of you may wonder why they do not change both heads the answer is very simple the passenger head was made by a different company and they do not have this issue, only on the drivers side, so I hope this helps the members here I have already arranger to have member in Miami to bring the car and I will have the head replaced UNDER WARRANTY.

I guess I missed it but I don't see a TSB????

[MI2QWK4U]

Yeah. Get counseling.

It is what it is, it will do what it does. Ford doesn't mind it, why should you.

Was a time in my life when a high performance engine didn't produce blue smoke at start-up, it was a quart low.

You asked...

Mac, smooth as ever, this guy isn't even from detroit, he asked a question. It's your choice not to answer, unless this is another cryptic joke. Have another beer before you fall off the stool again.

[mcblk03mm]

Dropped the MM off at the dealership first thing this morning for the infamous "blue smoke on startup" issue.

I know this is a hot topic, so I will do my best to keep you updated with what my dealer says, what they find out, anything that is done to the vehicle, and will describe any pre- and post- follow-up diagnostics they run.

Yeah, I have an 03... Had 34000 Miles on it when i decided to do something about the blue smoke at start-up. Brought it into a local Lincoln Mercury dealership ( Hasset " of wantagh", for any of you from new york- They suck). They tried to tell me first, they couldnt duplicate hte problem. When i went there, I started it with them and it did it- as it usually did Equally out of both tail pipes. I argued, that since it did it equally out of both tailpipes, there must have been problems in both heads. ( even no theirs a cross over, it would tend to lean more otward one side). They said No, but then agreed that both heads needed replacing. 14 Days with No car, Smoking finally stopped. I have also experienced what i think some of you are saying, a Intermittant tick from the motor. But do ***** that there is a problem, get two heads out of them.

Also, my car shudders when it locks over drive. This will be the second Tranny, it was replaced once due to the Reverse Snap ring issue. This time Im just going to pay a Rebuilder to do it right, ( Blue streak clutch's, Factory TEch valvebody, etc) instead of a Trash Ford reman. unit.