Just had a 3.8L rebuilt engine put in my 2001 Ford windstar by Ford dealer. They say 13.2 mpg is in specs?

Question

I was getting 17-18 on old engine @ 160,000 miles, but it burned a little oil (1 quart every 500 miles) and would not pass emissions, thus I was talked into a new engine with a 3 yr, 100,000 mile warranty. Then 10 miles off the Dan Grubb dealers' lot and the temp gauge Red-lined. Seems the heater hose was not properly attached and I lost all the coolant. (Turned out that three other hose clamps were also found to be improperly installed) After 3 tanks of gas produced only 13.2 mpg, I took it back to find out why.... The service manager told me this is within specs, and there is nothing else they can do!

------It was bad enough the dealer had my vehicle for almost a week, took my 5 grand -- and wouldn't pay a dime on my rental, -- but I never expected a product that will now forever cost me more to operate than the old engine. Is some one blowing smoke up my --- about this being "in specs?" Or did serious damage occur when the engine "overheated?" WONDERING

Answer 1

there may have been some problems caused when the engine over heated, cylinders may not be firing properly, metal shards may have come off, there are lots of possibilities. another thing to check is your air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and wires, they can have a big effect on your gas mileage. If the dealership did not properly attatch the coolant hose, they should be obligated to check the rest of the engine out.

Answer 2

You're getting the shaft here. They're lying to you. Take it to another dealership or get ahold of ford directly like the other guy just said. Just don't give up until your happy.

Answer 3

Its not uncommon for 'new' engines to get reduced fuel economy for the first few thousand miles

Answer 4

Something isn't right, I agree. I would call Ford direct or email them and complain.