Home | Mailing List | Specifications | Care and Feeding | Modifications | Vendors | Literature

 

AutoWeek Online Cam Story

new 11/30/02, source, thanks to Al Primm for finding this.


AutoWeek Online
 

 

 Bad SHO: Performance Taurus owners accuse Ford of foul play

By JOHN D. STOLL

Here’s another engine problem: Media reports and online complaints at www.v8sho.com document more than 200 cases of camshaft failures in Ford Taurus SHO 3.4-liter V8 engines, but owners of the 1996-99 high-performance models say they’re not getting anywhere in their dispute with Ford Motor Co.

Website member Larry Eck says as many as 700 current or former SHO owners log on, some complaining of repair quotes as high as $21,000.

“Many of us, including myself, had a travesty happen,” says owner Jim Merriman. The travesty for Merriman: cam sprocket slippage, which disrupted valve timing, causing valves to collide with pistons, causing significant damage. Merriman said the damage resulted in a $6,000 bill to rebuild one side of his Yamaha-made V8. Of the nearly 20,000 third-generation SHOs made, V8sho.com contributors believe between 5 and 10 percent are cam sprocket failure victims.

Ford’s response, via press release: It’s aware of the problem, but believes “the condition is not widespread.” “Many” repairs are covered by warranty; Ford has paid half the bill for some expired warranty customers and works to lower repair costs in cooperation with suppliers.

 
 
Related stories from the AutoWeek Archives
 
 
 
|

Contact Information