2012 5.4 engine failure??? Help

[Stuart]

The engine in my 2012 Expedition failed with only 33,000 miles. All maintenance has been done. Found tar like substance in oil pan and clogging oil pick up. Seems like it got really hot to turn oil into this tar like charcoal but never had a light come on or guage read hot. Undiagnosed so far. Anyone else out there had this issue? Trying to figure out what would cause this? help please

 

[rollavvti06]

Do you still have factory warrenty

 

[Stuart]

yes

 

[Stuart]

They are claiming neglect, there has been no neglect. I bought this truck brand new and did all the oil changes myself.

 

[Stuart]

trying to figure out what would cause oil to do this

 

[stamp11127]

Which brand of oil and filter? How often did you do the oil change? Still have the receipts?

Did you see what drained from the oil pan, and the quantity that came out?

Did your engine lock up or turn into a rattle can?

We have waste oil heaters in the shop for winter use. There is a portion of the system that heats the oil prior to being injected into the burner. If allowed to sit for a few months without being used, the oil will turn a molasses consistency similar to what your describing.

 

[Stoned06]

Hopefully you still have the receipts. Without those, there is no way to prove you actually did the oil changes. This is one of the reasons I usually shy away from doing any maintenance myself prior to warranty expiration. Heck, even now, 4 years out of warranty, I still have the oil changed at the dealer as it is usually under $30 (sometimes $20) and I don't have to find a place to recycle the used oil.

 

[mrford60]

even if they claim you didn't do the maintainance. keep pushing them they will give in.

 

[FordCustSrvc]

The engine in my 2012 Expedition failed with only 33,000 miles. All maintenance has been done. Found tar like substance in oil pan and clogging oil pick up. Seems like it got really hot to turn oil into this tar like charcoal but never had a light come on or guage read hot. Undiagnosed so far. Anyone else out there had this issue? Trying to figure out what would cause this? help please

Hey Stuart,

I'd like to put you in touch with your regional customer service manager, who'll work with you and your Ford Dealer to come to a solution. Please send me a PM with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and preferred servicing dealership.

I'll get this up the ladder.

Todd

 

[Lightnig]

Hey Stuart,

I'd like to put you in touch with your regional customer service manager, who'll work with you and your Ford Dealer to come to a solution. Please send me a PM with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and preferred servicing dealership.

I'll get this up the ladder.

Todd

Now that's what I like to hear, and another example of why I've stuck by the brand for the last 25+ years

 

[Stuart]

Oil is the Motorcraft spec along with the Motorcraft filters.

 

[Stuart]

PM sent

 

[tonydiv]

Look up Magnusson-Moss act. They can't deny your warranty for using aftermarket fluids or filters. They have to prove that it was the part that failed and ultimatesly caused the engine failure. They also can't deny your warranty for not having the dealer do your maintenance.

 

[Stuart]

Now that's what I like to hear, and another example of why I've stuck by the brand for the last 25+ years

Absolutely! Our family history with Ford dates back to the 1920's. Almost a hundred years of Ford ownership. We sure hope OUR loyalty hasn't been misplaced.

 

[Stuart]

Ford owners beware

Ford is shirking its responsibility to cover a vehicle that is still under factory warranty. This issue has not been resolved. I have owned 15+ Ford cars and trucks, 5 of them bought brand new in the last few years. Hard to believe that such a loyal customer is being treated unfairly just because I do my own maintenance.

 

[FordCustSrvc]

Ford is shirking its responsibility to cover a vehicle that is still under factory warranty. This issue has not been resolved. I have owned 15+ Ford cars and trucks, 5 of them bought brand new in the last few years. Hard to believe that such a loyal customer is being treated unfairly just because I do my own maintenance.

I understand your frustration, Stuart. Unfortunately, I'm unable to overturn any final decisions that have been made in your case. I encourage you to continue working with your dealer.

Todd

 

[Mangina]

Look up Magnusson-Moss act. They can't deny your warranty for using aftermarket fluids or filters. They have to prove that it was the part that failed and ultimatesly caused the engine failure. They also can't deny your warranty for not having the dealer do your maintenance.

To be fair, they found what seems to be sludged up oil in the pan and there are no oil change records. They aren't claiming aftermarket parts caused it, but that there was a lack of maintenance. I doubt suing Ford would do anything other than give his money to a lawyer, and then have to pay for his own engine replacement.

Is it too late for the OP to get a sample of the oil? You can have it analysed and that will tell you what's actually going on.

Things that typically sludge up oil;

1. A bad coolant leak - cracked head or cylinder
2. Not changing your oil

 

[tojohnso]

Hopefully you still have the receipts. Without those, there is no way to prove you actually did the oil changes. ....... I still have the oil changed at the dealer as it is usually under $30 (sometimes $20) and I don't have to find a place to recycle the used oil.

This - I too hope he has the receipts and can prove that what he bought was for the Expedition. One thing I would recommend is getting the oil tested by a lab. It's very cheap to do and they can tell you the condition and what is wrong with it. You'll need to advise the brand and consistency. Also - I would do the same with the coolant. Also very inexpensive.

I try not to change the oil myself either. Too much of a pain to get rid of the old. Heck, our dealer, Beach Ford, does them for $10 if you bought the vehicle from them.

 

[Stuart]

Update

Thanks for the suggestion to have the oil tested. We had it tested and found that the oil is full of water, the lab said it was no surprise that the engine failed. No coolant was found so possible that it is a condensation build up issue. Anyone out there had a problem like this? Hopefully Ford can figure out why and stands behind such a new vehicle. (only has 34,000 miles)

 

[Stoned06]

Thanks for the suggestion to have the oil tested. We had it tested and found that the oil is full of water, the lab said it was no surprise that the engine failed. No coolant was found so possible that it is a condensation build up issue. Anyone out there had a problem like this? Hopefully Ford can figure out why and stands behind such a new vehicle. (only has 34,000 miles)

Have you ticked anyone off lately? The only way to get that much water in the oil would be a bad head gasket leak, or someone intentionally put it in there. I cannot believe that condensation could be bad enough to cause engine failure.