ebtdm

Took my '95 Escort 1.9L 165K miles to the dealer for Safety & Emissions Inspections. Got it back with a severe knock and the did a compression test at home. #1 is 0lbs. Appears that the piston connecting rod is gone.
Now the question is there a level of liability owned by the dealership service department for breaking my car while in their possesion?
They say "Not our fault. Your car is a '95 with 165,000 miles".
I do not think the age or milage should make a difference. They should have some level of liability. Am I wrong in my thinking?

jwko

In this case, I say your probably stuck with it because you accepted the vehicle and drove it away.

ebtdm

The option you indicate is that, if a service department returns your car broken then don't accept it and they then have a liability?

How does that work exactly?

jwko

I'm just saying when you picked up the vehicle and noticed something wrong, you should immediately walk back in and inform them of the problem before leaving. Once you drive away it becomes easier for a service department to say it was something that you did.

I'm not affiliated with Ford in any way and not sure of the policies they have in place concerning this kind of matter.

R.S.LOGAN

Normally , on the cars I've had in workshop , if it throws a con rod it ends up through the crankcase . Would suspect there was already quite a bit of wear on engine at that mileage but usually if there was any obvious engine rattles on engine prior to testing , we would refuse to carry out test due to possible damage and advise owner accordingly .You will have your work cut out now trying to claim for liability .

ebtdm

Oh, they were well aware of it when it started knocking right after the emissions test. They even called me to tell me that it passed the emissions test, failed the safety - "Bad tie rod and burned out third brake light, by the way the engine is knocking real bad sounds like the lower end".
When I picked it up and proclaimed my displeasure is when they said "Not our fault, your car is a '95 with 165,000 miles".
It would appear all I get to do is vent . Yes, they charged me for both inspections.
I guess it is going to go to Escort Heaven. Shame, it was a great little car.

ebtdm

Not much progress and little activity here.
Anyone looking for a parts car? Black 95 four door, everything in great shape, except four the #1 cylinder. PM me.

FordMan59

The problem could be a dropped valve seat in the #1 cylinder. Both second and third generation Escorts have a track record for dropping valve seats. My '94 dropped a valve seat at about 150K miles and had to have a new head. If you do your own work I'd suggest pulling the head and taking a look at the damage before junking or parting the car out. Many times the damage just means having to replace the head with upgraded valve seats and cleaning the debris from the intake. Sometimes it cracks a piston, but not always. You'll just have to assess the damage once the head is off.