help with my 3.0 DOHC - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

04-30-2003, 06:24

hello everybody,

i own a 96 mercury sable wagon (LS) with a 3.0 dohc engine. at almost exactly 100,000 miles, a very loud clanking noise has occured, engine has no performance. it almost sound as if someone it banging from the inside to get out with a hammer. i have been told it threw a "lower connecting rod" but it has NOT been taken apart as of yet. does anybody have any info on this engine, or this condition, or both? its really not drivable, so i cant take it around to places without a tow. any help would be appreciated, thanks

Tony

Fordtech. · 05-01-2003, 10:28

Sounds like one of the big-end bearings has gone. The sump will need to come off to confirm, remedial action is a crankshaft regrind/replace and new set of crank bearings. Once the labour is totted up, may turn out cheaper to fit a replacement (used or recon) engine.

05-01-2003, 10:32

yes, so i have been told, a good friend with a local shop has quoted me 1300.00 including labor for a used one. by the way..any reason why this might happen? i have taken care of the car, but i did buy it as an "off lease" with 36,000 so i dont know about how it was taken care of before.

Fordtech. · 05-01-2003, 10:40

Leased cars tend to get hammered mercilessly, no amount of TLC after this can make up for neglect in the first few years.
Lubrication failure due to blocked oil galleries or tired oil pump are the primary causes.

05-01-2003, 10:58

Thank you for your response on that, I will never buy a off- lease vehicle again that's for sure. Does this commonly happen on these vehicles/engines, or is this an isolated incident? Do you in your professional opinion feel that 1300 for a used, say 50,000 mile engine is a good deal?
Thanks in advance
Tony

Fordtech. · 05-01-2003, 12:52

You dont say what '1300' you are referring to. I'm in the UK, where second-hand 3.0 engine isn't available as yet , but a used 2.5 Duratec you'd be looking at about �600-�800 Sterling fitted, depending on mileage and where you went of course.

05-01-2003, 12:56

1300.00 dollars, sorry, i am in NY. i dont know what that converts into pounds. do you feel this is just an isolated incident, or have you heard of such things?

Fordtech. · 05-01-2003, 13:11

Works out about right, money-wise. As I say, the engine is pretty much unknown in this country, and as such I'm unable to confirm if this is a known concern or not.