2002 Ford Escort SE from North America - Comments

I've worked as a Engineering Technologist for a OEM Auto supplier for 28 years. I tested and ran many different engines on the aggressive dyno tests and other testing, most resulted without problem.

I have heard of and seen valve seats fall out of just about every engine with aluminum heads. But not in test, dyno, fleet, and other.

I have owned Escorts and other vehicles, driven many problem free mile without problems.

My take on this, Maintain Your Vehicle. I do and I think this is why I can put 250,000 miles on a Escort. Flush and change your transmission fluid and a new filter if serviceable. Flush and change your coolant and use distilled water for mix. Change your oil and use a quality filter. I use OEM filters.

I use synthetic oil, in the engine, power steering, trans, etc. Use recommended oil viscosity, this is important for modern engines. Us a rubber treatment on your CV joint boots

and door seals etc, they will last.

If you do not understand MIL codes, take it to someone who does, do not try to guess your way through this. The longer you run with problems the more you risk major problems.

I have repaired cars with lean conditions, the owners have spent a lot of money changing this and that, and I find a cracked vacuum hose or a hole in the hose somewhere, a 2$ fix sometimes.

I could go on and on. I can make any car brand last for me.

BET.

My 99 Escort developed rough idle and clacking sound, eventually the intake valve seat in #4 cyl dropped out, got all smashed up by the piston with pieces of the seat embedded into the head and dome of the piston. The wrist pin demounted from the piston (at the oil ring groove) and slapped the cylinder wall. New piston ring set, rod bearing set and new rod, headwork done on #4 cyl, (the rest were as new) Honed all cylinders, #4 not perfect but I wasn't going to pull the block and sleeve it, all new gaskets, new headbolts, thermostat and on... runs with a vibration at idle in gear, compression 170,170,170,140. It's a beater...