Planned Obsolescence

[tbone]

When I replaced the O-rings in my EATC today, I noticed that the one that was bad was made of plastic and not rubber like the other 3. I believe this is an example of "planned obsolescence" by Ford. Really irritating. :mad2:Anyone else notice this when doing this repair?

Opinions? Where else in the car do you guys think this is practiced?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

[kmastl]

i noticed in my 04 that the old rings were hardened to the point of cracking

[Blk Mamba]

^^^ That's what I think happened to the OP's.

[RF Overlord]

I doubt it was plastic. Most likely the rubber hardened and split due to age and heat...the internals of the EATC do get pretty warm. As to why it was just one, dunno...maybe from a different batch at the point of origin.

I'm not saying Ford (or the supplier) didn't cheap out on the quality of the rubber used, but that's a common theme in American today and it's why all our manufacturing is disappearing.

tbone, you DID replace them with the orange silicone ones, right?

[tbone]

I doubt it was plastic. Most likely the rubber hardened and split due to age and heat...the internals of the EATC do get pretty warm. As to why it was just one, dunno...maybe from a different batch at the point of origin.

I'm not saying Ford (or the supplier) didn't cheap out on the quality of the rubber used, but that's a common theme in American today and it's why all our manufacturing is disappearing.

tbone, you DID replace them with the orange silicone ones, right?

I went to Ace and they only had the black rubber ones. They will probably last a long time. If not, I'll be at it again.

ALL countries practice planned obsolescence, not an American invention.

The one O-ring is definitely not like the other ones. Wierd.

I thought this thread would generate some lively discussions on the subject......

Paint? Axles? Blower module? Painted trim items?

[fastblackmerc]

I believe that Ford either didn't spec what kind of o-rings to use or they did and the manufacturer cheaped out on the o-rings. You really need to use the silicone o-rings or you'll be doing the repair again. I only use silicone o-rings when I repair these.

[guspech750]

I believe that Ford either didn't spec what kind of o-rings to use or they did and the manufacturer cheaped out on the o-rings. You really need to use the silicone o-rings or you'll be doing the repair again. I only use silicone o-rings when I repair these.Mine is working fine but if and when I need to replace the o rings. Where does one find the silicone o rings and what size?

[CBT]

Mine is working fine but if and when I need to replace the o rings. Where does one find the silicone o rings and what size?
When it goes bad send me your old one, I have a super clean one already re-ringed. Cause I love you, man.

[tbone]

Mine is working fine but if and when I need to replace the o rings. Where does one find the silicone o rings and what size?

Just match it up to the old one. Where? I don't know either. But the old crappy ones lasted 8 years, so I'm happy with my new rubber ones of better quality than Ford's.

[RF Overlord]

Where does one find the silicone o rings and what size?McMaster-Carr. P/N 9396K12 $4.31 per pack of 100

[guspech750]

When it goes bad send me your old one, I have a super clean one already re-ringed. Cause I love you, man.Thanks brotha!!


McMaster-Carr. P/N 9396K12 $4.31 per pack of 100
Thank you. Much appreciated.

[tbone]

Thanks brotha!!


Thank you. Much appreciated.


If you need a rubber, let me know.:banana:

[Vortech347]

I've tried fixing 2 units using the O-ring method.

Didn't fix a f'n thing.

[Bradley G]

Mine went south would not make heat and the new o ring fix did not help my problem.
I exchanged mine with Royalpita ie; Our own resident Ford Oasis report specialist extrordenair :cool4:


I've tried fixing 2 units using the O-ring method.

Didn't fix a f'n thing.

[fastblackmerc]

I've tried fixing 2 units using the O-ring method.

Didn't fix a f'n thing.

If you want, send me one and I'll take a look at it.