Broken cam/timing chain and I need a new engine???

I sent my 1998 Ford Contour SE to the dealership that I purchased it at. I also purchased a Powertrain Care warranty which would cover internal engine parts and transmission (drivetrain). It has been a week since they have had my car. Today I heard that my cam/timing chain (not sure which one but it is a chain of some sort) was off and damaged the heads in the engine. I was told that I need a new engine and that it would not all be covered by warranty. I bought the car used at 46k miles. The carfax history report was clean. The car now has 81k miles and has been subject to all routine services. Does this sound right or am I getting screwed? PLEASE let me know because I do not have the money nor the time to deal with the dealers BS. :uhoh:

I4 or V6?

i know v6 has chain but sometime people gets mixed up

if indeed your timing chain failed, this would be the first instance ive heard of this happening in the 6 years ive been part of contour.org. NOBODY over there has ever had that happened. I think its unlikely that it failed. I would say its damn near impossible for the chain to skip on the sprocket. Anyways, if 2.5L V6 is toast, I would highly recommend a 3.0L swap.

Check out the 3.0L forum over on www.contour.org. Tons of info there on how to swap it and other valuable info.

Yeah, it is a V6 2.5L


I4 or V6?

i know v6 has chain but sometime people gets mixed up

Well, then that sounds like just my luck. It was in fact the chain (I heard it clanking as the car idled). I'll inquire about the 3.0L and see how that would affect the price tag since the warranty will only cover my car's value ($3100) and the new engine with labor is ($5500). Thanks for the info! :smile:


if indeed your timing chain failed, this would be the first instance ive heard of this happening in the 6 years ive been part of contour.org. NOBODY over there has ever had that happened. I think its unlikely that it failed. I would say its damn near impossible for the chain to skip on the sprocket. Anyways, if 2.5L V6 is toast, I would highly recommend a 3.0L swap.

Check out the 3.0L forum over on www.contour.org. Tons of info there on how to swap it and other valuable info.

Read your warranty carefully. What is and not covered. That chain in a 2.5 V6 should never break. When a reputable dealership sells a used car, these types of items of checked closely before resale.
The heads in your motor are junk forsure.
Don't let the Dealer off the hook too easy here.