DocWhiskey
Observer
Well I wish my first van post was one with better news, but here goes.
I bought my 2011 E-250 Cargo in September 2016; and hadn't done too much too it other than pull out the shelves and lay down about 60 sq ft of FatMat on the sides and doors (thing sounded like a tin-roof shed when it rained). I've mostly done shorter trips chasing swells into New Jersey and up as far as Maine from my current duty station in the Bronx; camping in the back by way of sleeping bag and pad. I was on my way back from Lubec, Maine (easternmost point in the USA, killer sunrise) and made it back to Norwalk, CT when my engine died. Almost no warning; no lights or rough running during the trip, oil level before the trip was WNL and changed about 2,000 miles ago. Right before it died it almost sounded like it was missing on a cylinder and then just shut off. AAA towed me to a shop and I got lucky enough to get an honest and reputable one from what I could tell; we did some dx work and the oil on the dipstick smelled burned as all get out; after I got it towed home it almost looks like there was a leak around the rear main seal and passenger manifold.
I have a few questions, hopefully someone can help out. Has anyone experienced anything similar? I know the 5.4s have a history of some problems but normally related to cam phasers, correct? On the subject of replacement; what's the best company to go with? I hear Jasper more than a few places but I also found a somewhat local company (Paterson, NJ), "Promar" who offer a 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty. I'm also currently weighing performing the swap myself vs. paying a shop to do it; this is definitely an unexpected cost.
Any helpful guidance would be appreciated, thanks for your time.
I bought my 2011 E-250 Cargo in September 2016; and hadn't done too much too it other than pull out the shelves and lay down about 60 sq ft of FatMat on the sides and doors (thing sounded like a tin-roof shed when it rained). I've mostly done shorter trips chasing swells into New Jersey and up as far as Maine from my current duty station in the Bronx; camping in the back by way of sleeping bag and pad. I was on my way back from Lubec, Maine (easternmost point in the USA, killer sunrise) and made it back to Norwalk, CT when my engine died. Almost no warning; no lights or rough running during the trip, oil level before the trip was WNL and changed about 2,000 miles ago. Right before it died it almost sounded like it was missing on a cylinder and then just shut off. AAA towed me to a shop and I got lucky enough to get an honest and reputable one from what I could tell; we did some dx work and the oil on the dipstick smelled burned as all get out; after I got it towed home it almost looks like there was a leak around the rear main seal and passenger manifold.
I have a few questions, hopefully someone can help out. Has anyone experienced anything similar? I know the 5.4s have a history of some problems but normally related to cam phasers, correct? On the subject of replacement; what's the best company to go with? I hear Jasper more than a few places but I also found a somewhat local company (Paterson, NJ), "Promar" who offer a 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty. I'm also currently weighing performing the swap myself vs. paying a shop to do it; this is definitely an unexpected cost.
Any helpful guidance would be appreciated, thanks for your time.
