How screwed am I?

[Matt Johnson]

Just driving along today...put the gas to it and-

Thock thock thock thock, tap-tap-tap-tap-tap with each press of the gas.

Sounds like a rod, driver's side towards the rear of engine.

Drove it right to Ford. They're going to start with a compression test. If they need to do an engine tear down to take a look, that's $700.00...just to take a look.

What's my worst case scenario? (In other words, what can I expect to pay out of pocket - warranty's gone and the mods took care of that long ago anyway - for a new motor plus labor?)

[KillJoy]

There was just a bed engine Thread.

Used Engine +1

I WOULD NOT let the Dealer do it if you have the ability, or the resources. You will pay top dollar for their services.

KillJoy

[jdando]

Does not sound good from here. How many miles on the engine?

jeremy

[Matt Johnson]

Yeah...I just saw the other engine failure thread....

I have 38,000 miles.

[FordNut]

As I stated in the other thread. I know of an engine/tranny in the Atlanta area, around 13k miles, runs great, $3500 (if he still has it). Otherwise the best deal would be to get an engine built. But as stated above, you're paying premium labor rates at the dealer.

Then again, you could buy an engine elsewhere with a totally unknown history and just take your chances.

[Glenn]

I just do not understand some of these engine failures and at 38,000 miles. What gives???? I've got nearly 60,000 hard miles and a year with a SC on it as well as many runs down the track. I just put 10 more runs on it tonight at AMS Pinks (won 8 - Cobras are bad losers, lost 2). There has got to a reason. Is it just a standard 1% failure of 11,000 MM or 100+ engine failures for no good reason and we hear about it more due to the net??

Glenn

[Raudermaster]

Agreed with Glenn, seems like a lot of these "bad engines" are coming from cars with between 30-40k on them. What gives?

[SlkMerc]

63k and goin strong....needed a rear end and axles, water pump. So far so good.

[OneBADLsE]

I would be pissed after paying a heavy premium to own one of these cars and the engine blows.

Thank god for my 2v!

[dparker83]

I would say worst case scenario you'd end up having to pick up a new longblock...or you could upgrade to a nice forged 8-bolt crank with some pistons to match!

Yeap...almost 79k with no mechanical problems :cool4:, just electrical ones.

(New ETAC control unit, fan controller, a pair of heated seat switches, and most recently a new battery.)

I am crossing my fingers though!

[RCSignals]

considering the described location of the noise, I wonder if it's the head/valves?

[Blackened300a]

Agreed with Glenn, seems like a lot of these "bad engines" are coming from cars with between 30-40k on them. What gives?

IMO, "Drive it like you stole it" is good for these cars, The guys that never drive them hard or hardly use them seem to have the most issues.

[Zack]

If it is running good, you might have knocked a follower off and it is hitting the camshaft.

[juno]

Not enough info for a guess. There should be no reason for it based on your mods and mileage, likely just poor quality control on parts or labor.

[Todd]

I lost mine at 37k as well.

I had a power adder though so I know what mine was from.

I purchased a short block from MMR out in California. Great people and great products. I had the swap done with some other goodies.


But if I was close to stock and wanted to keep enjoying the car, I would do like Fordnut suggested and look for a complete 'take-out' engine and just swap it over and get back on the road.

If you feel you want to go more extreme with it and add power adders etc, then your best bet is to add a built bottom end. Just make sure you decide what power adder you want first. As I am sure you are aware, all the power adder motors are set up differnt. From nitrous, high comp natural asp, supercharged, and turbo'd.

Just get a little more beefy than you think you will need.

[jim geary]

Matt if you indeed need a engine, the guys in Ventura will get you one for around 3 bills. That's built by them. Not sure what kind of guarentee it comes with. I've been thinking of having them build me a spare and they will
keep it for me up there, no charge for storage.

[Raudermaster]

OneBadLSE, your 2v isn't in-destructable either and could go at any given time. I agree with Blackened though, at least give the car a workout when you're driving just to make sure everything feels and works good.

[RoyLPita]

Matt,
Do you have a good relationship with a Ford/Lincoln Mercury dealer? If so, the one that does could help you out. I should know, I work in the service department for a Ford dealer.

[JonW]

Roy, doesn't $700 "to take a look" sound excessive? I know they need some time for diagnosis, but that sounds way out in left field.

[MENINBLK]

I've got 72k miles on mine and have been using Synthetic Motor oil since 3,000 miles.

Maybe you should have a motor oil sample sent out and see what's in the oil !!!

What kind of motor oil are you using and how often do you service the engine ?

[Matt Johnson]

Roy, doesn't $700 "to take a look" sound excessive? I know they need some time for diagnosis, but that sounds way out in left field.

They said it goes against whatever work would need to be done, so it's not strictly a diagnostic fee, but I have a feeling if they have to tear into it, it's gonna cost a helluva lot more than $700.00 to get back on the road.

The Ford and Lincoln dealers out here are closing like flies, so I had to take it to the one that's literally the closest to my house. The service writer there is a cool guy, but we'll see...I still haven't spoken to him yet today.

As far as suggesting that I'm not driving this thing like I stole it...I take offense at that remark. I don't do highway miles, folks, but I've been through 3 sets of tires since I bought the car....

Just need to set that straight.:)

[RoyLPita]

They said it goes against whatever work would need to be done, so it's not strictly a diagnostic fee, but I have a feeling if they have to tear into it, it's gonna cost a helluva lot more than $700.00 to get back on the road.

The Ford and Lincoln dealers out here are closing like flies, so I had to take it to the one that's literally the closest to my house. The service writer there is a cool guy, but we'll see...I still haven't spoken to him yet today.

As far as suggesting that I'm not driving this thing like I stole it...I take offense at that remark. I don't do highway miles, folks, but I've been through 3 sets of tires since I bought the car....

Just need to set that straight.:)

Keep us posted.

[Matt Johnson]

Just got word from the dealer. Rod issues. They didn't even need to tear it down. Need a new engine. They quoted $5600 installed. Can have it for me by Tuesday.

Any thoughts?

[jdando]

A new FOMOCO engine is "nice", but expensive. Will you get a warranty? Used are cheaper, but you do not know if you are buying someone else's problems:confused:

Is it worthwhile going with a built motor in California? I would only go that route if there is a S/C in your future.

Keep us posted.

jeremy

[Shora]

Just got word from the dealer. Rod issues. They didn't even need to tear it down. Need a new engine. They quoted $5600 installed. Can have it for me by Tuesday.

Any thoughts?

People have paid more than that for a dealer installed engine. I, however, would contact Lidio about rebuilding the current engine with more durable parts than OEM and it should still cost less. I do imagine that it would take longer so it just depends if you have a second car to drive in the mean time.

[RoyLPita]

I believe that the Ford rebuilt engine has a 3/75000 warranty. The choice is yours.

[Matt Johnson]

This thing's my daily driver, so the cost involved in shopping around for the perfect deal could easily surpass getting the dealer to install it and get me back on the road on Tuesday...

The engine comes with a 3 year, 75,000 mile warranty.

I'm inclined to pull the trigger on it tomorrow and get 'er done.

[RoyLPita]

Reverify it through the dealer that it has the 3/75 coverage. They might be lagging in that department.

[Matt Johnson]

Reverify it through the dealer that it has the 3/75 coverage. They might be lagging in that department.

That's what the service writer told me up front today on the phone.

[MENINBLK]

Go with what 'feels' comfortable to you.
Don't just do things because they are the least expensive.
If it doesn't feel right to you it is because your gut is telling you
something that you should be listening to.

Whatever you choose, I wish you the best of luck in getting your ride back by Tuesday.

[Matt Johnson]

The only thing that feels uncomfortable to me is spending money I wanted to use to do some landscaping on a replacement for an engine that went with only 38K miles on it. I feel bad for my wife - she is an awesome lady, has never told me how to spend our money - but I just wish I could spend some on the both of us right now instead of on this damn car.

[JamesHecker]

I thought you were selling your car, Matt.

My buddy Mike Hess moved to Arizona. What dealer are you using?

[RCSignals]

Yeah...I just saw the other engine failure thread....

I have 38,000 miles.


is your engine stock?

As I said in another thread, I'm told that Service Managers have been given wider discretion in dealing with these things, and since warranties have been increased on new vehicles can basically consider anything that is still within 5 years, or 60,000 miles of purchase, even if the original warranty was the 3 year variety. It's all at the discretion of the Service Manager.
Are you in good with the Service Manager?

[Matt Johnson]

I thought you were selling your car, Matt.

My buddy Mike Hess moved to Arizona. What dealer are you using?

Hey James, I changed my mind about the sale....for the moment. Maybe someone will get a MM with a brand new engine.

I'm using the guys at Airport Marina Ford. It's a default choice...really, due to location.

[RoyLPita]

The only thing that feels uncomfortable to me is spending money I wanted to use to do some landscaping on a replacement for an engine that went with only 38K miles on it. I feel bad for my wife - she is an awesome lady, has never told me how to spend our money - but I just wish I could spend some on the both of us right now instead of on this damn car.

Just so you know, If you apply for the Ford credit card, you can get 0% interest till January 2008.

[RCSignals]

Just so you know, If you apply for the Ford credit card, you can get 0% interest till January 2008.

That's a good deal. If his limit is high enough he could also buy a Supercharger :)

[Matt Johnson]

Called Ford Credit, they knew nothing about a credit card.

FYI, if anyone wants to take the car as is, it's available for 11K. (including sound system and all mods listed in my forum signature, plus uninstalled still in box badgeless grill, custom pedals, and nib floor mats)

But you'd have to act fast, by tomorrow morning to seal the deal.

You're welcome to e-mail me at deadvertical@gmail.com.

[GreekGod]

Just got word from the dealer. Rod issues. They didn't even need to tear it down. Need a new engine. They quoted $5600 installed. Can have it for me by Tuesday.

Any thoughts?

Sounds like a fair price...I would pay a little more and have a new forged Mustang block installed, with warrenty.

Selling for 11K might be a good buy for someone willing to do the labor themself.

[Matt Johnson]

I'm picking up the car tonight.
Some questions:

The tech did not touch the computer after installing the new motor, but obviously the battery was disconnected...does this mean I need to reflash my tune with my XCAL?

They installed factory plugs. I've been running colder plugs with the 180 degree stat. Will there be any adverse affect running regular plugs with 180 degree stat?...at least for the time being?

They said I was leaking fluid from rear diff. But since it's got "aftermarket parts" (i.e. Ford Racing girdle, 4.10 gears) the techs didn't want to open it and top it off. Scared of "mixing" fluids etc. I told them the work was done at a Ford dealership and to go ahead and at least top off the fluid levels. They may or may not take care of this for me...any suggestions?

[RF Overlord]

but obviously the battery was disconnected...does this mean I need to reflash my tune with my XCAL?No, the tune is held in non-volatile memory.


Will there be any adverse affect running regular plugs with 180 degree stat?...at least for the time being?Should be no problem unless your right foot weighs a lot more than your left. ;)


They said I was leaking fluid from rear diff...any suggestions?
If it's leaking from the cover, then just properly re-torquing the bolts should do it. If not, you might have to re-seal it. If it's leaking from the adjustable girdle bolts, then take them out and put on a wrap of teflon tape. Mine did the same thing. Don't forget to reset them to the correct torque.

[Matt Johnson]

Thanks RF....

Anybody want to buy a Marauder with a new engine? I think I'm headed for the "Mustang Ranch"....

[Matt Johnson]

Picked up the car today. Total cost was $5625.00, about $1800 of which was labor. They also flushed the brake lines and topped off tranny fluid. That's definitely the biggest charge I've ever paid at a dealer for service.

I'm glad to get the car back, but it just doesn't feel the same. After driving a Mustang for a week, the MM feels big and old. I forgot how bad the seats are. Even with all my performance mods, it's still feels like a big ole' 4200 pound dinosaur.

I can't open it up right now on the new engine, so I'm driving like I own it instead of like I stole it...and that's just no fun.

I've been looking at a GT500, but I just won't pay that much for a Mustang. Plus, I've been reading on the Mustang forums about all the problems owners are having with their GT's - the usual runaround they're getting from Ford dealing with TSB's - and it's just disenchanting how low the 'domestic' auto manufacturers have fallen in their ability to turn out something that actually runs and does what it's supposed to do.

[Raudermaster]

So, you want to dump a "brand new" Marauder for a Mustang? I mean, a Mustang is a Mustang, and there will always be a Mustang, but a Marauder was made for for a selective few and will never be again. Not only that, why would you dump it with a brand new engine?

[Zack]

Do yourself a favor and beat the piss out of it.
It will run better in the long run.

[Matt Johnson]

Marinello's are made for a select few, not the Marauder.

Any car that must be modified extensively just to wake it up and bring it to life is not a "select" vehicle to me. I bought it because I saw it at the LA Auto Show and it spoke to me. It's been a fun vehicle to drive and to modify. It's definitely a cool car. I have loved driving it and will always have a "soft spot" in my heart for it. But I believe Mercury really "missed" with this car and made an even bigger mistake by giving it ZERO support after they realized they launched a dud. Plus, in my book, there's definitely nothing "select" about a car made in the year 2003 that blows a perfectly maintained, never raced N/A engine with less than 40K miles on it.

I will say this...the best thing about the Marauder has been this forum. I have never encountered a more helpful, courteous, knowledgeable, civil group of car lovers. I learned a lot here, not just about the Marauder. It's a great community and the car brought all of us together.

I love this car and I hate this car. If I had a 7 car garage, I'd never part with it. But life is short, so is my driveway, and there are too many great rides out there waiting to be driven...

At least the Mustang seats are comfortable, the car's fun to drive, it's got a more durable engine to modify, and there seems to be much more aftermarket support and options.

Not to mention that by the end of the summer, I think you'll be able to pick up a Shelby's for less than 50K, which is still too much to pay for a Ford anything in my opinion, but which I'd write a check for in the case of the GT500.

In the meantime, I'll take Zach's advice and stomp on it.

But the bottom line is: it's just a car and to every season, turn, turn, turn...

[jim geary]

I've forgotten Matt what color is your ride? Just curious. I can't afford another one just yet.

[Raudermaster]

Marinello's are made for a select few who have big pockets my friend. And I don't think they are very selective IMO. You don't think the MM seats are comfortable?

[Matt Johnson]

I've forgotten Matt what color is your ride? Just curious. I can't afford another one just yet.

Black with dark tint.

[Matt Johnson]

And I don't think they are very selective IMO. You don't think the MM seats are comfortable?

No. I think they're horrible. No lateral support, zero side bolstering, too soft for anybody who weighs less than 300 pounds.

[Richy04]

No. I think they're horrible. No lateral support, zero side bolstering, too soft for anybody who weighs less than 300 pounds.




Hey then they are just perfect for me!! :o Richy

[94_302]

No. I think they're horrible. No lateral support, zero side bolstering, too soft for anybody who weighs less than 300 pounds.

Actually the seats were supposed to be narrower and have more bolster but there was a supplier production error. This is according to Steve Babcock, I would link it but it's on the MCM board and well.........I may have already said too much.:shake: