Used Engine Install - I am being ripped-off?

J bradley · 05-04-2006, 03:24 PM

1999 Taurus wagon: The wife flooded the engine and insurance just paid $1500 to have a used engine installed. Now the power steering whines horribly and is a bit tight. (The rack and pinion and pump were just replaced 3000 miles ago though with all new parts from dealer). The non-dealership mechanic that installed the used engine tells my wife flooding the engine can cause the pump to go bad. How is that possible ? What is the connection ? Sounds like BS! All I can think is maybe he installed an old pump with his used engine and trashed my new pump or is waiting to sell it back to my wife?

There was and is no water in the steering system, I insepected it before he got it. . I understand the ford pumps can whine but ours was new and silent before the engine was flooded. Naturally he offered to fix it all for another $500.. which insurance won't pay.. I can do the work but insurance was paying ( so I can enjoy my weekend and not wrench on the wifes car) .

What are your thoughts gang...

dieselman · 06-21-2006, 08:57 PM

I know for a fact that you cannot flood a fuel injected engine! Unless you converted your taurus to a carburetor setup, somehow?? Unless, by flooding, you mean your wife parked it on an incline, the tranny failed, and it rolled into your pool...?

As far as the steering goes, if there is water in the system somewhere, perhaps in the rack itself, a proper flush and fill will solve the problem. The dealer that performed the work should have the part numbers from the parts they installed on the invoice (or somewhere). So, if the engine shop did replace your pump and lied to you, you can easily get your money back if you can confirm that the engine shop did replace the parts. I highly doubt a dealer would install bad parts as their reputation for not only service, but sales will be at stake. The power steering whine may not be the pump. I'm having a similar problem with my Durango at the moment. The steering whines, and there is a very slow leak somewhere around the rack, as my pump and engine block are all nice and dry. Gotta love maintenance!