I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:09:41 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:


I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN

What kind of shape is your 2002 Escort in, body-wise? If the body and
suspension are good, the engine may be worth putting in. If the body
is getting soft, scrap it and start over.

On 2012-10-17, RogerN wrote:

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

I would not spend $4k on a Ford Escort with 111k miles.

The real question now is what other car to buy.

i

In article ,
Ignoramus28587 wrote:

On 2012-10-17, RogerN wrote:

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k
miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

I would not spend $4k on a Ford Escort with 111k miles.

The real question now is what other car to buy.

i

I wouldn't spend $4K on any Ford product.... new or otherwise.

Erik

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:09:41 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:


I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN


Why not go to a wrecking yard and buy a decent pulled engine and have
it installed? Might cost you $1500 total if the mechanic is greedy.

Gunner

"The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered
by an occasional assassination." --Voltaire

RogerN wrote:
I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN



All depends on the condition of the rest of the vehicle.
I pulled up a reman for that and get 1500.00 for a one year and 2200.00
for a 3/100K
Also see a few "used remans" for around 1100.00 (wrecked after engine
installed)

IF the body/chassis is in good shape and the rest is OK then you have to
decide if you want to drive it that long.

--
Steve W.

"RogerN" wrote in
m:


I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

Some reason you're not heading to a local junkyard to get a used engine for a few hundred
bucks, instead of spending a few thousand on a new engine?

You can either repair the engine you have, or replace it with a used one with about the
same mileage, for a LOT less than four grand.

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:34:16 -0500, Ignoramus28587
wrote:

On 2012-10-17, RogerN wrote:

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

I would not spend $4k on a Ford Escort with 111k miles.

The real question now is what other car to buy.

i
The other alternative is to find a good low mileage escort of the same
vintage with a collision or rust damaged body and transplant the
engine. Should be able to get a good engine for about $750, or
significantly less.

My brother has done it several times keeping his kids in escorts over
the years.

"RogerN" writes:



I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

No boneyards nearby??
--
A host is a host from coast to
& no one will talk to a host that's close........[v].(301) 56-LINUX
Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:27:59 -0700, Erik wrote:

In article ,
Ignoramus28587 wrote:

On 2012-10-17, RogerN wrote:

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k
miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

I would not spend $4k on a Ford Escort with 111k miles.

The real question now is what other car to buy.

i

I wouldn't spend $4K on any Ford product.... new or otherwise.

Erik
Your opinion - and you are entitled to it.
I've owned a LOT of vehicles over the years. 5 of the last 7 have been
Fords. 2 Aerostars, a Mystique, and currently a Ranger and a Taurus.
The 6th of the last 6 was a Pontiac TransSport and the 7th a Chrysler
The Pontiac was more trouble and expense than the 5 Fords combined.
Previous cars included Chryslers, Toyotas, VW, Peugot, Ford,
Mitsubishi, Renault, among others.

The Chryslers treated me very well, over-all as did the Toyotas - all
earlier, lower tech vehicles than the last 6 (1990 and newer) - but I
have had NO complaints with the fords other than some of the bodies
(aerostar and Mystique) not lasting over 12 years. Current 12 year old
Taurus and 16 year old Ranger bodies are, so far, excellent.
(rustproofed from new) The last (2002) Chrysler was also excellent,
except for some body rust that turned up at about 10 years (never
rustproofed and only oil-sprayed in year 10)

As for spending $4000 on them - I generally BUY them for $6000 or less
and then drive them

"Gunner" wrote in message
...

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:09:41 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:
snip

Why not go to a wrecking yard and buy a decent pulled engine and have
it installed? Might cost you $1500 total if the mechanic is greedy.

Gunner

"The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered
by an occasional assassination." --Voltaire

The book time for swapping the engine in this vehicle was ~14 hours or so
IIRC. If I got a used engine it would probably be wise to install a
remanufactured head to avoid this problem in the near future. The info I
read on this engine is that they usually drop a valve seat around 100K to
120K miles, mine had 111k. If I had a good place to do it I wouldn't mind
getting a remanufactured engine and replacing myself, I have my Ford Ranger
to drive for now (4wd 4.0 V6) but the escort saves me more than $150/month
in gas.

The Jasper engine $2590
Install Kit $~260
+ taxes, anti-freeze, oil, etc.
+ labor
Totaled out close to $4k

I've known the mechanic for about 40 years, he was a neighbor kid that I
grew up with. I think he's honest, I've taken vehicles to him for repair
before stating something like not to exceed $500 and would get it back with
a bill less than $200, never had to return anything for a "fix it right this
time".

RogerN

"Steve W." wrote in message ...

RogerN wrote:
snip
What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or
buy a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine
problems in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN



All depends on the condition of the rest of the vehicle.
I pulled up a reman for that and get 1500.00 for a one year and 2200.00 for
a 3/100K
Also see a few "used remans" for around 1100.00 (wrecked after engine
installed)

IF the body/chassis is in good shape and the rest is OK then you have to
decide if you want to drive it that long.

--
Steve W.

The body/chassis is OK, not cosmetically pretty but makes a good work car.
I have to drive some 20K miles per year to/from work so I basically buy a
car to wear it out. Reliability is important as the company wants me there
on time consistently. My other choice cars would be something like a Toyota
Corolla or Honda Civic or something with good gas mileage and high
reliability. All I want of my work car is for it to go when I push the
pedal, stop when I push the brakes plus heat and A/C, other than that I know
it's going to be scrap when I'm done with it.

RogerN

"Erik" wrote in message
...

snip

I wouldn't spend $4K on any Ford product.... new or otherwise.

Erik

What would you recommend?

RogerN

"Doug Miller" wrote in message
. ..

"RogerN" wrote in
om:
snip
I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost
$4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

Some reason you're not heading to a local junkyard to get a used engine for
a few hundred
bucks, instead of spending a few thousand on a new engine?

You can either repair the engine you have, or replace it with a used one
with about the
same mileage, for a LOT less than four grand.

If I got a used engine I would still need to put in a remanufactured head
unless it already had one. So I'd buy a used engine, pay to have the head
replaced, pay for engine swap, I think I'd have a good chunk of money in it
and it may leak or burn oil and no warranty.

I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around 14
months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and labor
warranty sounds good.

RogerN

RogerN wrote:
"Steve W." wrote in message ...

RogerN wrote:
snip
What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or
buy a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine
problems in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN


All depends on the condition of the rest of the vehicle.
I pulled up a reman for that and get 1500.00 for a one year and 2200.00 for
a 3/100K
Also see a few "used remans" for around 1100.00 (wrecked after engine
installed)

IF the body/chassis is in good shape and the rest is OK then you have to
decide if you want to drive it that long.

--
Steve W.

The body/chassis is OK, not cosmetically pretty but makes a good work car.
I have to drive some 20K miles per year to/from work so I basically buy a
car to wear it out. Reliability is important as the company wants me there
on time consistently. My other choice cars would be something like a Toyota
Corolla or Honda Civic or something with good gas mileage and high
reliability. All I want of my work car is for it to go when I push the
pedal, stop when I push the brakes plus heat and A/C, other than that I know
it's going to be scrap when I'm done with it.

RogerN



If it's an auto you might want to toss a lower mileage unit in or just
have that one looked at while it's easy. May save you later.
Stick I would put in a new clutch and swap the gear oil for synthetic.
Have the under-hood cleaned while there is access, and check brake/fuel
lines for rot since they will be out in the open. Again it will save you
later.

--
Steve W.

"RogerN" wrote in message
...
"Doug Miller" wrote in message
. ..

"RogerN" wrote in
news:EbydnZ9uXqL9mOPNnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@earthlink. com:
snip
I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost
$4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

Some reason you're not heading to a local junkyard to get a used engine
for a few hundred
bucks, instead of spending a few thousand on a new engine?

You can either repair the engine you have, or replace it with a used one
with about the
same mileage, for a LOT less than four grand.

If I got a used engine I would still need to put in a remanufactured head
unless it already had one. So I'd buy a used engine, pay to have the head
replaced, pay for engine swap, I think I'd have a good chunk of money in
it and it may leak or burn oil and no warranty.

I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around
14 months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and
labor warranty sounds good.

RogerN

I'd probably buy a wrecking yard motor or off of craigslist and install a
brand new head...at that point of dissasembly, it's pretty easily to also
inspect for wear in the cylinders, crank and rod journals and then rebuild
these only if needed...

--the cost of a new pan gasket and some plasti-gage buying you considerable
piece of mind.

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:27:59 -0700, Erik wrote:

In article ,
Ignoramus28587 wrote:

On 2012-10-17, RogerN wrote:

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k
miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

I would not spend $4k on a Ford Escort with 111k miles.

The real question now is what other car to buy.

i

I wouldn't spend $4K on any Ford product.... new or otherwise.

Erik

Ford trucks Rule!

Cars..not so much.

Gunner

"The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered
by an occasional assassination." --Voltaire

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:56:25 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 20:34:16 -0500, Ignoramus28587
wrote:

On 2012-10-17, RogerN wrote:

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k miles,
now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work car
for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or buy
a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine problems
in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

I would not spend $4k on a Ford Escort with 111k miles.

The real question now is what other car to buy.

i
The other alternative is to find a good low mileage escort of the same
vintage with a collision or rust damaged body and transplant the
engine. Should be able to get a good engine for about $750, or
significantly less.

My brother has done it several times keeping his kids in escorts over
the years.


Ayup.

Gunner

"The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered
by an occasional assassination." --Voltaire

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:06:06 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

"Doug Miller" wrote in message
...

"RogerN" wrote in
news:EbydnZ9uXqL9mOPNnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@earthlink. com:
snip
I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost
$4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

Some reason you're not heading to a local junkyard to get a used engine for
a few hundred
bucks, instead of spending a few thousand on a new engine?

You can either repair the engine you have, or replace it with a used one
with about the
same mileage, for a LOT less than four grand.

If I got a used engine I would still need to put in a remanufactured head
unless it already had one. So I'd buy a used engine, pay to have the head
replaced, pay for engine swap, I think I'd have a good chunk of money in it
and it may leak or burn oil and no warranty.

I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around 14
months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and labor
warranty sounds good.

RogerN

If the car is that poorly designed that the valve seats take a **** at
120k...Id put it on Craigslist for $500 and buy something that was
actually designed by people who werent smoking crack.

The Ranger 3.0 goes for 250-300k before needing another engine if you
take care of it. The only thing that wears out is the motor..water
pump and tires.

There are obviously far far better vehicles out there than that skank
bit of trash.

Hell..the old ladies 97 Saturn has 235K on it..and the water pump I
put in ot 6 months ago probably spun the impeller. A Autozone
waterpump. And I only paid $1900 for it when i bought it with 105k on
it. Someone had stolen it for the airbags. Insurance company totaled
it for the airbags. Guy I bought it from was buying them, replacing
the steering wheel and dash airbag covers and selling them like icees
on a hot day.

And it passed California smog 2 months ago.

Gunner

"The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered
by an occasional assassination." --Voltaire

"Gunner" wrote in message
...

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:06:06 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

snip
I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around
14
months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and
labor
warranty sounds good.

RogerN

If the car is that poorly designed that the valve seats take a **** at
120k...Id put it on Craigslist for $500 and buy something that was
actually designed by people who werent smoking crack.

The Ranger 3.0 goes for 250-300k before needing another engine if you
take care of it. The only thing that wears out is the motor..water
pump and tires.

There are obviously far far better vehicles out there than that skank
bit of trash.

Hell..the old ladies 97 Saturn has 235K on it..and the water pump I
put in ot 6 months ago probably spun the impeller. A Autozone
waterpump. And I only paid $1900 for it when i bought it with 105k on
it. Someone had stolen it for the airbags. Insurance company totaled
it for the airbags. Guy I bought it from was buying them, replacing
the steering wheel and dash airbag covers and selling them like icees
on a hot day.

And it passed California smog 2 months ago.

Gunner

That sounds like a good idea.

I don't mind spending that kind of money on an engine if I can get a few
more years out of it but the money may be better spent on a car that gets
300k miles per engine. After the escort engine has the head rebuilt I'm not
sure if the valve seat dropping problem has been eliminated or not. The old
engine didn't use oil and worked ok, but was a little rough on the idle,
typical for that engine.

I think I'll look around for a deal on a better car, maybe a Civic, Corolla,
or other high reliability, long lasting vehicle. I could keep the escort
for a while and watch for an engine to become available, or remove this
engine and start rebuilding.

RogerN

Jeez, Roger. You have the worst luck with cars.
The escort in excellent condition only books out at $3000.
And you're actually thinking about throwing another $4000 at it!
If you can't fix it for under a grand, junk it and cut your losses.

Next time, take a mechanic with you when you shop for cars,
and don't buy 'em from "Hi-Dollar Ray's Used Car Pasture and Mudflap
Emporium"

Paul K. Dickman

"RogerN" wrote in message
m...

I got a 2002 Ford Escort a little over a year ago, bought it with 84k
miles, now has 111k miles.

Engine failed last Wednesday on the way to work. Engine is 2.0 SOHC VIN
"P", known for dropping valve seat most common in cylinder #4.

Engine has no compression in cylinder #4, piston not moving with crank
(broken rod?), hole in piston, bent valve....

I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost $4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

If I get a different vehicle for $4k, I have to have change it on my
insurance plus tax, title, and licensing fees. And the used car (most
likely) wouldn't have a 3 year 100K mile parts and labor engine warranty.

On the other hand, the Ford Escort probably isn't worth $4k but I'm fixing
to sell, I'd be fixing for a reliable, economical (getting ~35mpg) work
car for as long as it lasts.

What's your opinion, should I spend $4k on engine + labor + warranty or
buy a different car, problem is that a different car could have engine
problems in less than the 3 years of the new engine warranty.

RogerN

"RogerN" wrote in message
m...
"Gunner" wrote in message
...

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:06:06 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

snip
I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around
14
months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and
labor
warranty sounds good.

RogerN

If the car is that poorly designed that the valve seats take a **** at
120k...Id put it on Craigslist for $500 and buy something that was
actually designed by people who werent smoking crack.

The Ranger 3.0 goes for 250-300k before needing another engine if you
take care of it. The only thing that wears out is the motor..water
pump and tires.

There are obviously far far better vehicles out there than that skank
bit of trash.

Hell..the old ladies 97 Saturn has 235K on it..and the water pump I
put in ot 6 months ago probably spun the impeller. A Autozone
waterpump. And I only paid $1900 for it when i bought it with 105k on
it. Someone had stolen it for the airbags. Insurance company totaled
it for the airbags. Guy I bought it from was buying them, replacing
the steering wheel and dash airbag covers and selling them like icees
on a hot day.

And it passed California smog 2 months ago.

Gunner

That sounds like a good idea.



Stealing cars, removing the airbags then turning around and buying them from
the insurance company at auction is a good idea ?

RogerN wrote:


I think I'll look around for a deal on a better car, maybe a Civic,
Corolla,
or other high reliability, long lasting vehicle. I could keep the escort
for a while and watch for an engine to become available, or remove this
engine and start rebuilding.

This is a much better plan. resale value of these makes is a bit higher,
of course. I drove a 1989 Corolla station wagon for about 17 years, it
was still in good condition until somebody who borrowed it wrecked it.
That was a 5-speed manual, still on the original clutch, I think it was
up to 180K miles or so. We have a 2000 Sienna van (Toyota) with 186K that
is still running well. We stupidly let it run out of transmission fluid
until it started slipping on hills. I'm sure that did some real damage
to the clutches, but it is still running fine, we just watch the
trans. fluid level and make sure it is always full.

Jon

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:06:06 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

"Doug Miller" wrote in message
...

"RogerN" wrote in
news:EbydnZ9uXqL9mOPNnZ2dnUVZ_oWdnZ2d@earthlink. com:
snip
I'm deciding between finding a different work car or spending almost
$4000
for a Jasper engine with 3 year 100K mile warranty on Parts AND Labor,
meaning I'd be set as far as engine for at least 3 years.

Some reason you're not heading to a local junkyard to get a used engine for
a few hundred
bucks, instead of spending a few thousand on a new engine?

You can either repair the engine you have, or replace it with a used one
with about the
same mileage, for a LOT less than four grand.

If I got a used engine I would still need to put in a remanufactured head
unless it already had one. So I'd buy a used engine, pay to have the head
replaced, pay for engine swap, I think I'd have a good chunk of money in it
and it may leak or burn oil and no warranty.

I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around 14
months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and labor
warranty sounds good.

RogerN

There are LOTS of those engines still on the road with over 300,00KM
on them, with no problem. Check your radiator. If you have
loose/corroded fins the engine likely overheated. Just once is all
that is required to loosen the seat. Most common cause of dropped
valve seats on any aluminum head engine is overheating. Most common
cause of overheating is bad rad.

Not as common as it used to be - the aluminum rad cores are standing
up better than the last brass ones did.

On Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:59:31 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

"Gunner" wrote in message
.. .

On Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:06:06 -0500, "RogerN"
wrote:

snip
I think if I don't go with at least a remanufactured head there is a good
chance I'll have this same problem within a year. I got this car around
14
months ago and already put 27K miles on it, the 3 year 100K parts and
labor
warranty sounds good.

RogerN

If the car is that poorly designed that the valve seats take a **** at
120k...Id put it on Craigslist for $500 and buy something that was
actually designed by people who werent smoking crack.

The Ranger 3.0 goes for 250-300k before needing another engine if you
take care of it. The only thing that wears out is the motor..water
pump and tires.

There are obviously far far better vehicles out there than that skank
bit of trash.

Hell..the old ladies 97 Saturn has 235K on it..and the water pump I
put in ot 6 months ago probably spun the impeller. A Autozone
waterpump. And I only paid $1900 for it when i bought it with 105k on
it. Someone had stolen it for the airbags. Insurance company totaled
it for the airbags. Guy I bought it from was buying them, replacing
the steering wheel and dash airbag covers and selling them like icees
on a hot day.

And it passed California smog 2 months ago.

Gunner

That sounds like a good idea.

I don't mind spending that kind of money on an engine if I can get a few
more years out of it but the money may be better spent on a car that gets
300k miles per engine. After the escort engine has the head rebuilt I'm not
sure if the valve seat dropping problem has been eliminated or not. The old
engine didn't use oil and worked ok, but was a little rough on the idle,
typical for that engine.

I think I'll look around for a deal on a better car, maybe a Civic, Corolla,
or other high reliability, long lasting vehicle. I could keep the escort
for a while and watch for an engine to become available, or remove this
engine and start rebuilding.

RogerN


There is a 1992 Civic in the K-W record for $3200 with 34000Km on it.
Would make someone some cheap transportation.