callison

Hi....
I have a question that I hope someone can help me with. I have a 1997 SHO, Its been sitting for about 2 years, was still running, I started it up every so often. Went to start it this month and it won't turn over. Battery is fine, starter is fine. Took it to a mechanic, and at first he thought it was bad gas, so he dropped the tank, removed the old gas, and put in new. That didnt work. Then he did a compression test, and says that out of the four front coils that three of them have no compression and one has 60%. He has not tested the four in the back. So, basically he is saying that the motor is blown. Does this make sense for a car that has been just sitting? Is there another diagnostic test to tell if the motor for sure is shot?
Thanks for any advice.
C Allison

jwko

Engine wont turn over? Then why would it be bad gas? How did he go a compression test without cranking the engine? Mechanic sounds like he's a crook! If your car had been starting/runnung fine its more that likely an electrical issue. And since when did the 97 Ford Taurus have a V8? Ask him that lol... FIRE THE MECHANIC!

tbird100636

1996-1999 Taurus SHO's had a 3.4L V8 built by Yamaha, just like the 3.0L and 3.2L V6's used in prior years. Did thie mechanic check the fuel pressure?

jwko

Are you serious tbird? I wonder what kind of power that small of a V8 would produce? Hmmm, V8 in a Taurus, I like it

callison

Hi...
Thank you everyone for the replies.....And yes, it is a V8 :).
Anyway, I've given up on that mechanic, and had it towed to a different mechanic who says the first mechanic is crazy, and he does not think the engine is blown. He's only had it half a day, and is still working on finding out what is wrong, but he said its starting to get compression then losing it....Does anyone know why it would do that? He is supposed to call me tomorrow when he knows more.....but, what would cause it to lose compression like that? any ideas?
thanks again!
C Allison

tbird100636

I believe it was about 235HP. Don't remember the torque ratings.

bertha66

From what I understand about the V8 SHO is that the cam drives were pressed on and will slip, changing the cam timing. I have read on the SHO forms that they need to be welded, if not and they do slip to far the valves will hit on the pistons.

__________________
Allen D
64 Galaxie, 66 F100 4x4, 80 Bronco, 90 Areostar,
68 F350 Crew Truck, 93 SHO 93 MTX,93 SHO ATX

SHOZ123

Yes that sounds like a cam failure. Pull the valve covers as continued cranking will only cause more damage.

Go to V8SHO.COM for more details.

If it is indeed a cam failure please report it with your vin # to the V8sho webmaster.

Brotha Sable

A V8?! Holy s*#! I need that in my '99 Sable. Something tells me that it would more trouble than its worth.

mre_power

basically for you you would need to find a sho that was rear ended and swap subframe from the sho to the sable. along with the engine and transmission pcm and wire harness. possibly all fuel componates. then you can debate whether you need to swap brakes and wheels.

then you would want to invest in cam welding for the engine.