Subject: 
Doug's 1998 Ford Mustang


Wed, 18 May 2005 14:13:07 EDT
Date:    




My name is Doug.  I  recently noticed a small water leak under my car.  I 
brought it to my local  dealership for repairs.  The service advisor told me it 
would cost me  $950.  I was shocked.  I had an extended warrantee through 
Continental  warrantee, who said that one part was not covered.  So I told them to 
go on  and fix the car.  The service advisor was able to give me some 
discounts  totaling $89.99.  So my total bill was $852.07.  
        In checking the Internet, I  found that Ford had this problem on many 
models back in 1996-97.  There  were replacing the all plastic intake 
manifold, with one where the water jackets  were made of aluminum.  The repair was 
fixed as long as your vehicle was  within seven (7) year of when it was first 
registered.  Many large fleets  had to be fixed and it was done free of charge.
        The crack in mine was at the  rear of the manifold at the rear 
waterjacket.  The replacement manifold was  partially made of aluminum.  The 
original was total plastic.  The way  I see it is that Ford had knowledge of there 
problem and continued to put faulty  parts on future vehicles, hoping there 
would be no problem until after the seven  years passed.
        My vehicle was placed in service  9/30/98 and the repair was done 
5/6/05 well within the seven years.  Fords  answer is that there is no recall for 
my VIN number.  Everything is done by  the VIN number and so I am not 
included.  I feel this is very unfair.   They had knowledge of a problem and still 
placed a faulty product on future  autos.  When for knew of the problem they 
should have gone ahead and  replaced the 1998 and beyond manifolds with the 
replacement part made of  aluminum.
        In speaking with ford reps on  the phone they were very rude. (Ford 
Motor Co.)  My dealer tried all he  could to help but his hands were tied.  I 
am currently an owner of 4 Ford  vehicles to include a 71 Torino GT, 98 Mustang 
GT, 99 Mustang, and a 92  F150.  I really feel that Ford could have helped a 
little.  I love my  Fords don't get me wrong, but I am really starting to HATE 
FORD!!!!
        Thanks for letting me get this  out.
Doug H