2000 5.4L EB Expedition - Blown Engine, or not?

[govtdog]

It has 190K miles on it and never given me any problem at all, until a couple of weeks ago when it developed a slight knock. The knock was a strange on in that it wasn't consistent but was rhythmic regardless of the rpm and vehicle speed. The engine sounded like this bub...bub... bub... bub...tick,tick,tick,tick,tick...bub...bub...bub etc with bubs being normal engine sound and ticks being the faster tempo'd knock.

Then before I could have the truck looked at, I pulled up to a red light and the engine stalled and would not turn over at all. Had it towed to a local private garage and they deemed it frozen and a new used engine would cost me $3600.

As I tried to see how and where I could get this kind of money, or looked into scrapping the truck, the weather turned cold.
Today, I went to visit my Exp to remove some stuff and see if the title was in the vehicle and when I opened the door, saw that the key was in the ignition. Just for the heck of it, I turned the key and the truck started instantly. It sounded like crap, but it started... and I immediately turned it off not wanting to damage the engine more. I popped the hood and saw that the belts were removed and shredded and wondered if the belt had somehow been shredded and got tangled around the turning engine fan or somehow prevented it from cranking over?

By then, the owner of the shop came out and I exclaimed the Christmas Miracle to him with the hope that maybe all it needed was a new belt and maybe a tuneup. But, he started it again and said that the noise was a broken crankshaft and the engine was surely blown.

What do you think? Does it sound like the engine is blown? What could I do to maybe test it myself where it sits?

Now, I am worried he is trying to rip me off but know little about cars and engines... so I need your help, please.

 

[Stoned06]

Engine isn't blown if no oil is running out of a crack or gapping hole in the block. Broken rod is most likely the cause as a crankshaft would be unlikely to break as they are forged. With a broken rod, you most likely damaged the inside of the cylinder. Depending on how badly scored the lining is, you either need a fresh hone job of the cylinder walls, or need a new block. This you won't know until the engine is broken down. It is possible the engine seized when the cracked/broken rod jammed in the cylinder. The accessory belt drives the alternator and AC and Waterpump(?). Engine can still run and start without it, but the charging system will not be working and you'll quickly drain the battery.
My guess is the block is shot due to damage in the cylinder from a broken rod. But again, you have to tear it down to verify. Good luck.

 

[govtdog]

Thanks for the help.

No oil leaking and no crack or hole in the block.

If it is a broken rod, and the cylinder lining can be honed, how much does that usually cost?

And, is there any way to tell if it is a broken rod, or something else, by listening to the engine sound if we start it now?

Thanks again for the help!

 

[Racenut]

No there is not a way to tell by just listining once you have a problem like this you have to remove and disasemble the engine to verify what is wrong.

 

[Tigster]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-1995-FORD-LIGHTNING-ENGINE-351W-COMPLETE-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad0ca9fefQQitemZ390049996783QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

You need that.

 

[govtdog]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-1995-FORD-LIGHTNING-ENGINE-351W-COMPLETE-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ad0ca9fefQQitemZ390049996783QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

You need that.

Hehe... good one. Heck, I can't even afford the $3600 the garage owner wants to put a used engine in the truck...

 

[Tigster]

3600? You can pick up a used engine for 600 - 800 is he rebuilding a used one? Not sure why it is so expensive.

 

[Racenut]

Hehe... good one. Heck, I can't even afford the $3600 the garage owner wants to put a used engine in the truck...

Here are a few links for ya.

Premium reman long block with timing cover and oil pan :

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/s...t-4L/RBL5499W2TU.html?tlc=Engine+&+Drivetrain

Premium reman with power inhancment ( no timing cover or oil pan must reuse old ) :

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/s...dot-4L/MEIF3309C.html?tlc=Engine+&+Drivetrain

Premium factory reman long block ( no timing cover or oil pan must reuse old ) :

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/s...dot-4L/MEIF3308C.html?tlc=Engine+&+Drivetrain

All three of these options come with a 3 year 100,000 mile waranty and free shipping.

YOUR SHOP IS TRYING TO SCREW YOU HARD!!!!!!

You can find used engines with low milage for around $1,000.

 

[govtdog]

$3600 is the total job price.
Not really sure what all needs to be done beside removing the old and installing the new engine, but the $3600 price is out the door total cost for replacing the engine with a rebuilt one which comes with a 3 year, 100K mile warranty.

So, if the engine costs $1000, then is $2600 fair for all the labor, new belts, plugs, fluids, freon, and other extraneous doo-dads that are needed to do the job?

 

[Racenut]

A used engine would cost around $1000 the last of the links I listed above has the factory rebuilt engine at just under $2000.

So IF he is putting in a complete remanufactured ( rebuilt ) engine and it comes with the 3yr / 100k mile waranty then yes that is a good price.

If he was just putting in a USED engine then that price would be way to much.