Replace engine for 2008 Ford Ranger

[dsmith4993]

I brought my 2008 Ford Ranger to a shop with a blown head gasket. It's a V6, 4.0 with AC. 135,000 miles. I planned to have both heads removed and reworked, then new gaskets and water pump and put it all back together. After removing one head it became apparent I needed an engine replacement instead. At this point, I had a better option so asked the shop to stop work and I would tow the Ranger out.

I used a cheap shop with eyes wide open. So rather than dollar figures, I'll ask your advice based on percentages of the cost. I paid about 25% upon towing the Ranger to the shop and said I would pay another 25% as the heads were on their way to the machine shop. So all they did was remove one head and called me. Now they want almost another 25% of our agreed upon total cost to return my vehicle.

Obviously, they're upset I don't want them to finish the job and obviously for an additional cost. I told them they're crooks but they seem to honestly dispute this. So here's my question: since the original plan was to replace the head gaskets and water pump and I've already paid 25% of the total cost for the removal of one head, do you feel I should owe them anything? I don't mind a few bucks but they think they've earned enough for half the cost of the complete job? I don't know how many shop hours but get the impression the complete job is about ten? I appreciate any advice you can offer included blasting me for my approach. I know nothing about cars and a professional shop would have made the cost prohibitive. I plan to sell the car when it's done. Should I have just scrapped this thing? Thank you in advance.

 

[94Eddie]

To remove the engine components to take off one head is about the same as removing both heads. The intake, timing cover etc. have to be removed. I would estimate that 75%-80% of the work to remove both heads is needed to remove one head. If they are asking for 40% of the total quote then I think that is a fair number.

 

[Mr. Alligator]

Just a thought: I would not tell people that I was in the process of working with that they were “crooks”. That angers people, puts them on the defensive, and sort of forces them to dig in their heels. If you go the other direction, and are at least respectful, you might get a better response and more constructive options. If you really think the people you are working with are “crooks”, then you should not be working with such people at all.

Good luck with this project.

 

[Mr. Alligator]

And welcome to this Forum!

 

[dsmith4993]

To remove the engine components to take off one head is about the same as removing both heads. The intake, timing cover etc. have to be removed. I would estimate that 75%-80% of the work to remove both heads is needed to remove one head. If they are asking for 40% of the total quote then I think that is a fair number.

That's helpful, thanks Eddie. I did read after I posted that this particular year was a b*tch to work on as far as the amount of work involved. Thanks for your input.

And welcome to this Forum!

Thank you! I'm kinda goofing around the way I talk to them. It's pretty good natured and they throw back at me but fyi they wanted all the money upfront. Not your standard shop. Most of the negotiation was how much I would pay and when. To protect myself. I think it woulda worked out but I didn't expect the engine to be all rusted out, cam shaft, everything. I never worked with them before but had met them several times over the years. They know I don't know cars but they think I'm loaded. I do get your point but it seems it may work out after all. I bought a junkyard engine for $800 today. Smoking price right? 90 day warranty. Another acquaintance negotiated that purchase and he's gonna do the work. So I'm out a few hundered bucks, something I was prepared for. Just trying to recoup some money rather than scrap the poor car. Thanks again Mr. A!