99 ford escort 2.0 Thrown Rod

[nonewcars]

Okay, I think I know the answer to this, but thought I would get some feedback. Car started making loud clanging noise almost like fan blade rubbing against something medal. Car died. Will start and run for a second with still loud clanging noise. Took the car to a mechanic. They say the engine has a thrown rod. They didn't pull the oil pan so I don't know the extent of the damage. He did say the engine was no good. So what are my options? Should I pull the oil pan and check it out myself? If a rod is broke, Is it possible to repair from underneath or am I looking at pulling the head also? Can you reattach a rod to the crankshaft and piston from underneath? If this is something relatively easy to just try, I will do it. Otherwise the car is done for anyway. I got 222k miles on the body and 75K miles on the current engine.

[FordMan59]

I don't know the answer to all your questions, but I think the mechanic may have made a bad diagnosis on your car. The metal to metal clanging is likely a dropped valve seat which is a very common problem with 2nd generation 1.9L and 3rd generation 2.0L Escort engines. I'd start by doing a compression test to see which cylinder it is. #4 is the most common, but happens on others as well. If it is a dropped valve seat you'll need at least a reconditioned head with the upgraded valve seats. If the car hasn't been run much since it started making the noise the piston may be OK, I know lots of times it beats the top of the piston up a little, but it's still usable. If it's a valve seat you'll also need to pull the intake and clean out any debris that may have got in the intake.

[nonewcars]

Okay. I have pulled the head before on these. So I am looking for debris under the head and I'll check the cylinders as well. Seems like pulling the oil pan was a pain on these because the exhaust runs directly under it. I'll pull it as well. So what dollar damage amd I looking at for re-conditioning the head and gaskets. Once I start getting over $500, I don't think this will be worth it.

[AzTumbleweed]

I would pull all the spark plugs and see what kind of compression you have. With a broken rod you would have zero compression. That might confirm the diagnosis.

[nonewcars]

good idea. I have a compression gauge. I believe I just need to disconnect the plug wires, shut the fuel off, remove the plug in question, and let it turn over a couple of times.

[FordMan59]

You probably won't even have to do a compression test. It it's a valve seat the spark plug eletrode on the affected cylinder will probably have significant damage. There are several on eBay who sell cylinder heads for $200-$300. I don't know how much the gaskets will cost you, but I'd think you could make the repairs yourself for under $500. Also be sure to replace the head bolts when you put the head back on. Here's a link to a good Escort forum you might be interested in.

www.feoa.net

[zzyzzx2]

Originally Posted by FordMan59

You probably won't even have to do a compression test. It it's a valve seat the spark plug eletrode on the affected cylinder will probably have significant damage. There are several on eBay who sell cylinder heads for $200-$300. I don't know how much the gaskets will cost you, but I'd think you could make the repairs yourself for under $500. Also be sure to replace the head bolts when you put the head back on. Here's a link to a good Escort forum you might be interested in.

www.feoa.net

I agree with the above statement.

[nonewcars]

I spoke to the mechanic who absolutely assured me the problem was in the bottom end of the motor. The car has 224K miles on it. It needs ac work, struts, headliner is falling down. I decided to donate the vehicle to charity and take the tax deduction at the end of the year. Thanks for everyones responses.

[zzyzzx2]

Originally Posted by nonewcars

II decided to donate the vehicle to charity and take the tax deduction at the end of the year.

My local junkyard is advertising $300 for any complete car. That might be better than any tax deduction on an Escort with that many miles on it.