3rd engine going into 2018 Transit Connect

[Dazzonamission]

Hello everyone
I have been through the ringer since taking ownership of my 2018 (68) plate, engine cut on me recently, 22/11/24, I was recovered by RAC and it was taken home,Fords didn’t have availability to book it in until 31/12/24, and they didn’t want it dropped off until at least a few days before it’s appointment date.
I provided Fords with the history of the van since I had it in June 2023, it went wonky after 4 months, of ownership, primarily engine knocking, and I spent over £5K to try rectify the issue,

History Oct 2022>
- [x] Engine Replaced under Warranty Oct 2022, on 132,000 miles by Allen Ford Coventry covered 18,000 on new engine, receipts attached.
- [x] I purchased van in June 2023, from dealer in Leicester van had done 148,000
- [x] Replaced Turbo Inlet Hose, (Forced DPF Regeneration carried out by (CH Motors) October 2023
- [x] Service carried out by independent garage, oil change 0W20 and air filter, Feb 2024
- [x] Replaced 1 brand new Bosch injector (Essex Diesels) van stopped knocking and quietened down considerably for 80-100 miles March 2024
- [x] Replaced 2 brand new Bosch injectors (Essex Diesels) van stopped knocking and quitened down considerably for 80-100 miles April 2024
- [x] Replaced Fuel Filter FD-4630 Genuine Ford Parts (KV6Z-9155-A) April 2024 made no difference to knocking
- [x] Van still knocking April 2024
- [x] Replaced cambelt and water pump June 2024, Van still knocking
- [x] Replaced MAF Sensor, June 2024, Van still knocking
- [x] Diagnostics and inspection carried out, Injector parameters where high and calling for too much fuel, parameters reset using FDRS, van performance improved and drove impeccably for 80-100 miles.
- [x] PCM/ECU was replaced by Allen Ford Dunton, September 2024, Van now runs without any issues
- [x] New discs and brake pads fitted October 2024.
- [x] New Yuasa 95ah Battery Installed October 2024.
- [x] November 2024, Van cut out on me, no warning, dashboard said 0 range, RAC suspected ECU fault, Van was recovered to home, where I managed to get it started but coolant was bubbling in the housing and it was losing coolant, no visible leaks under the vehicle, it was then taken to Allen Fords Dunton, New Years Eve 2024, they suspected the starter motor was faulty and it was replaced, BCM (GAT Module) was also
replaced and coded.
Fords then contacted me to say they have managed to
get the van running BUT coolant is leaking into the inlet manifold, and it’s hydro locked as a result.
They blocked off the EGR to ensure that wasn’t at fault, and it wasn’t so
a new diagnosis of cylinder head fault.
Fords could not complete any further works, and I had to pay for works done and parts provided,
amounting to over £600, this cost was at a discounted rate on parts, and all labour costs where removed as a goodwill gesture,
I then found a mechanic on click mechanic, who could replace the head gasket, for
£1300, so I thought I would go for that option, I also paid for a non starter diagnosis at £70, and getting the vehicle recovered to their garage was another £70,
I shared all the history of the van what happened when it broke down and it’s been to Fords, and it’s full of coolant in the inlet manifold,
So now costs are starting to mount up, I get a call from the garage who say the engine needs replacing, and it’s completely seized, I think Fords must of left a timing pin
in too
stop the engine being started, I explained I doubt Fords would do that but called
them to clarify, and they confirmed they hadn’t left a pin in the crankshaft, and reason
It’s not cranking is due to coolant in manifold.

The mechanic then advised he wouldn’t be happy changing the head gasket, not knowing if the con rods are not bent, so I was given a few quotes, apparently my turbo had become faulty and needed replacement?, the impeller was loose? and oil
was coming out of it,
So here are the quotes from the independent garage, that it soon became clear had hiked their prices through the roof.
Quote 1 - Head gasket and turbo = £1478,15
Quote 2 - New cylinder head and turbo = £3216,54
Quote 3 - 2nd hand engine with 49k and new turbo = £6,571,09

Now I did explain to this garage I am not very well, and have recently suffered a cancer relapse, not that I am
expecting any preferential treatment, or compassion, but would like to know people’s thoughts on this please,

Firstly, should Fords have diagnosed a cylinder head fault given the coolant issues.without the requirement of changing a starter motor and a BCM module, which although heavily discounted, I am still £600 out of pocket.
And the only reason the van returned to
Main dealer was because the PCM/ECU was replaced 6 weeks prior to the van cutting out with 700 miles traveled in that time.

Secondly, are the independent garages, quotes excessive for the works required, I did kindly reject the quotes and opted to get the van recovered ASAP to a specialist who rebuilds engines, and a new (reconditioned) ZTGA engine is currently being installed for £3100 which includes supply and fit everything new, all ancillaries will be replaced from my own van.
I’ll wait to see what they say about the turbo as there was no issue with it identified previously, and I drove the van between it being recovered and going to Fords, and Ford never mentioned the Turbo as a problem.

Would be great to hear your feedback please.


Regards
Darren

[metalworker0]

I would be put off for life, of ever owning a vehicle again, if i had gone through all that.

I'm sorry you've been through all this with your condition , I don't know much about cancer as related to getting a Motability vehicle, that would be my thoughts right now.

If all the above troubles that was explained to a small claims court, that's if you have all the evidence etc to back you up and you are willing to put your self through that . new engines or recon engines should have put you on course for many years of trouble free motoring which it hasn't .. so fail there by all concerned. but each garage, mech etc, may start blaming each other.


all the best.mark