Maybe my expectations are a bit high for a motor. I expect a motor to last at least 100,000 miles without any major mechanical problems. If ford had not covered the front guides I would have potentially spent more then 2000.00 bucks in the last three months to fix a problem that isn't about a noise but something that can essentially ruin the motor. I would consider a swap with a newer sohc off of a 01 or an 02, but I think even these newer motors are going to develope some of the same problems just few years down the road It would just delay the inevitable.
I have been pleased with ford products in fact all my autos I have been purchased by ford. And I think there was one recall that affected whatever ford product I had at the time. this model has had 5 or 6 recalls and one program.
If I would have known about the problems the sohc has, I NEVER would have bought an X with this motor. Other than the motor I am pleased with the drive and overall comfort of the X oh forgot about the blend door, that's another 500 to fix but other than that the X has been fine oh wait there was the rusty accumluator with the feam on it that caused premature failure and 250 to fix.... I do realize that things do wear out and need to be replaced with age but at 70,000 miles this motor should have at least 30,000 miles in before a mechanic has to tear into it. If I was working more I would dump it and get a baja..... Yes perish the thought
Let the flames begin
Deak
