Tim of Saginaw MI writes (10/23/01):
Took our 95 Windstar into Dealership for the 2nd time for head gasket problem. First time they would not do anything about the problem but after constant complaining, Ford agreed to pay for materials (about $450 of the $1200 cost). This happened with about 54,000 miles.
Two months later I get the recall notice. Dealership reimburses me.
Now with 108,000 miles the head gasket is bad again. Dealership says nothing they can do. Gave me Fords customer service number. They are very rude and only quote the specifics of the recall, ie: 100,000 miles or 7 years. They claim there is nothing they can do. Also the timing belt cover gasket is bad this time also.
Frustrated I authorize the repair of $2300.00. We pick the van up and drive it 150 miles and now the engine is gone, needs new block. Dealership says they are waiting for Ford rep to call. It has now been three days and the only contact I have with dealership is myself calling them. They claim that if Ford does not warranty or cover any of the cost of engine repair I'am out the original $2300 plus the quoted new engine replacement of $4300.
Sorry, but we think Tim's out of luck. It's pretty difficult to force the manufacturer to repair anything after 100,000 miles. Our advice to anyone who's repaired the head gasket in a Ford product is to dump the vehicle as soon as possible. Replacing the gasket is not a permanent solution, as Tim has learned.
