Has anyone else had this problem with their 1997 ford 150?
Briefly, my truck started leaking antifreeze. I took it to my mechanic and he said that it was the timing head cover. $600. later. My mechanic also presented me with a copy of a recall on "certain ford 1996 & 1997 150 pickups". Ford claims that my vehicle was included in this recall. Interestingly enough, the recall letter also states that if this timing head cover is not replaced immediately, it will cause severe engine damage. One week after having the timing head cover replaced, I started hearing a terrible knocking in the engine. I had the truck towed to a different mechanic and sure enough, the crank shaft broke and the engine has to be replaced ($4,000 later). Even though this is the exact problem that the recall describes, Ford tells me that my truck is not included in this recall. Any suggestions????
(please email me: cbeth38@cs.com)

 

yes there is alot of talk about this on the forms...you need to do a search on it you will find a lot of info about it.....

 

just timing cover, no such thing as a timing head cover. You should have had the work done at a dealership, you would have been covered for a new engine if you had paid to have the timing cover gasket done and it was less than 12000 miles later. And last time i priced a timing cover gasket job on a 4.2, it was only like 350 or so at our dealership, nowhere near 600.

 

Very soon after I got my '97 in the summer of '99 I started leaking oil at 32,000 miles and it was from the timing chain cover. got it replaced under warranty and have never leaked an ounce since--I now have 95,000

 

I would check with another dealer about the warranty thing. The issue about whether the engine is covered under warranty or not should have nothing to do with where you had the timing cover fixed. The ONLY way it should matter is if the repair was done improperly and actually caused the engine failure. Granted Ford does not have to pay for work you decided to have done elsewhere (except in rare cases), even if it was under warranty or a recall.

Anyway, on to what I would do. I would call a number of Ford dealers within reasonable towing distance. Have your VIN, and the recall info in your hand. If you get through many dealers and they all say the same thing (its not covered) then you may be out of luck. In my own personal experience (and posts of many others) some Ford dealerships can't perform simple tasks properly, including looking up recall and TSB information about F150s. Despite the fact that some dealerships can't do it, I'm hopeful (for you) that there is one in your area that can. If you do find a dealer that thinks they can help under a recall (or talk to his Ford rep), make sure you have the paperwork from your recent timing cover repair. It will need to have the date, VIN, and a clear explanation of the work (and not call it a timing head cover). If it doesn't, I'd go back to the place that did that work now and get it straightened out. If you present incomplete information to the dealer that is going to help you and have to go back later, it will look more like you are making up info to get it covered. I know you are not, but it will just give them one more thing to worry about.

One last thing. Once you find a good dealer that is going to help you out, buy the service writer and mechanic lunch. They will remember you, and the $ it cost you will go a long way for very little.

 

i also have a 97 f150 and i was wondering where is the timing cover located...thanks

 

right on the front of the engine,rising up from the crank and passing either side of the water pump,up to the heads. if you get ready to tackle that puppey youd better not plan any thing for a while lol