2000 Ford Explorer cracked cylinder heads

LARRY CHUPP

MEMBER
2000 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
10,000 MILES

My wifes suv was running rough engine light came on. The ford dealership said it needed 1000, 00mi. Tune up. We did that and two weeks later the truck did the exact same thing. The same dealer said it was a fouled plug. Two weeks later the same thing happened. Now the tell us it is a head gasket leak or possible cracked head. Now they tell us that both heads are cracked and a repair bill of 3400.00dollars. Now they tell us that we can buy a new engine for only 1100.00 more. It started with a 10000mi. Tune up to a major problem. How can I be sure we are getting scammes? Thank you larry

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

How indeed, It is really a matter of trust on your behalf, but it is a concern that at a "Dealership" they have problems diagnosing the problem correctly first up. No with that said, these type of on going problems do happen, so you can not rule it out all together. I would be getting a second opinion on the problem, and if it is a head problem, do what you feel you can afford comfortably, don't get talked into spending for a long motor if it is not required, they can do a series of tests to determine the vialibility of the bottom end.

Mark (mhpautos)