Count me among the Dead.
Green 99
VIN - 1FAFP54N7XA234266
mileage - 52,779 (still under ESP)
diagnosis - 3 bent valves, one scored cylinder wall. Piston heads undetermined
at the current time. Intake cam sprocket spins freely on cam.
prognosis - undetermined. ESP adjuster is on vacation.
History - I heard the dreaded "sewing machine" noise, and didn't want
to believe it, thinking maybe I was just down a quart of oil. Got the wipers and
oil changed 12-28... and the chatter/tick still remained...
On 12/30/01, my green '99 was running down I-35S in Oklahoma City at speed
(~75mph). Check engine light, engine shutoff, oil light, battery light, I got
about 10 seconds worth of steering and brakes (enough to get off the highway). I
had it towed to the Ford dealer, was told first that the engine was only
flooded, and that they had it started. By the time I got there in the rental,
the story had changed to 3 bent valves, the scored cylinder wall, and the intake
cam sprocket spinning freely. Dealer is worried about how long I'm going to be
in the rental. If/when I get a new/recon'd engine in the car, I'll be trading it
in, in summertime, with a friend who runs a dealership in Boston. I'm
considering the Lincoln LS to replace it. Not sure what else is out there that
suits me like the SHO did. I'd appreciate any words y'all might have. Thanks
much.
- Frank in OKC