ml> this is my first f.o.r.d. vehicle... a lot of vehicles have problems with
ml> spark plugs and ignition coils but everything i've run into in the past
ml> has been due to aluminum blocks and (in one case) i suspect a dealership
ml> mechanic either broke something or swapped out the original coil for a
ml> known bad one... in that particular case, the vehicle was in for them to

My Monte Carlo had a factory (GM) defect on the aluminum heads which was
causing antifreeze to leak out.  I didn't find out this was a defect until my
engine swap about 3 years ago.  

The dealership tried to patch the defective head with goop and another gasket,
but that eventually started leaking again.  I was always a GM person, but
there is no question that their quality control has gone down the toilet over
the years. 
ml> i've run into that numerous times... the worst i've ever dealt with is
ml> exhaust stuff and i refuse to do any exhaust work any more... anything
ml> like that goes to a mechanic and i'm not paying for any broken drills
ml> they may run into ;)

Yeah, I don't do exhaust stuff either.  I don't weld, so that is one of the
main reasons.  I wouldn't even try to remove any of those bolts.  They would
get cut out.

ml> title switched and the plate swapped from the 300 to the expedition...
ml> all in all, it was a good day and has been since then... i still keep
ml> finding little things here and there but for the cost, they are more than
ml> acceptable... on that, let's just say that the cost was as minimal as you
ml> can get... it would have been given to me scott free if it weren't for
ml> the BoS requiring a $$ amount ;) i love karma! i'm always helping others
ml> and it does come back to help when least expected! ;)

Yeah, the majority of the costs to keep our extra vehicles on the road is the
rediculous cost of registration.  I remember when I was a teen, registration
was around $35/year.  It is now $185 for two years.  

- Mark

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