Engine clamp

[mustang owner]

I'm the owner of a 2002 Mustang Convertible with a v 6 Engine. The vehicle has approximately 21,000 miles on it. Last month I heard a light tapping sound that became louder and louder. I took the vehicle into a dealership where I was told there was sludge in the engine and it sounded like a rod broke. I was asked when was the last time I changed the oil, and sad to say, I didn't save those records. An engine flush was done and was I told I need a new engine which would not be covered under the warranty. The warranty would expire that month.

I contacted an outside garage and was told it didn't sound like a rod, but the engine would have to be taken arpart. When the engine was taken apart, there were no signs whatsoever of sludge. I was told even with an engine flush, some sludge would be remaining. Enlarged photos were taken of the engine showing it was absolutely clean. It was also discovered that a broken clamp was making the noise and not a rod. Enlarged photos were taken of the broken clamp. I was told the broken clamp was not the cause of sludge, lack of oil or anything on my part. It was a faulty clamp.

Because the clamp did damage within the engine and each piece would have to be taken apart and checked, it was decided a new engine would be ordered. A new one was ordered and installed.

I contacted the Ford Service Representative office and gave them the information.

I'm in the process of trying to get my money back for the new engine. I believe the dealership was at fault. I don't believe they even saw any sludge, but because I did not have any oil receipts, thought they'd save themselves some dollars. Had the dealership looked at the engine, they would have discovered it was not a rod, but a broken clamp and not due to any fault of my own.

If anyone else has any feedback or can give me some useful information, I would appreciate it.

[351wStang]

What clamp are you talking about?

[mustang owner]

It's a crankshaft counter weight on the upper intake valley holding the bearing in place.

[TypeGsR]

basically holds the whole rod in place from moving and keeps the beering from spinning

[351wStang]

How do crankshaft counterweights have anything to do with a supposed "clamp" inside your engine? Hate to tell you but the crankshaft and its counter weights are nowhere near the intake valley, which btw there is no upper or lower valley, just the regular intake valley. If by upper you are referring to a plenum, then I have more bad news for you, it has no valley whatsoever. Ummm hold the rod in place and keeps the bearing from spinning..that would be the rod cap, not a clamp. There is no clamp inside an engine.

You may not understand this but I replyed in more detail to your PM. Basically all to tell you that you are full of shit.

[mustang owner]

Originally Posted by 351wStang

What clamp are you talking about?

I've been looking up part names on the internet. I believe it is a rod bearing although the ones I've seen on the internet are in two pieces. Mine is in one piece but spread apart. I am being told it is a manufactured defect that it came apart.

[stang_racer20]

You got those pictures handy? None of this makes any sense!