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Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis
Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis

3244 messages, Last post on Aug 25, 2009 at 8:13 PM
You are in the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
| as there was NO leak. | |
| If water gets into oil and the mixture is whipped/churned, it will "foam." Good luck. | |
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Kinley, I've many times seen your posts regarding your diff lube "turning to foam". Chemically speaking this does not happen unless the oil is mixed with a reagent. I seem to remember that you used the car to tow a boat - this most likley resulted in water entering thru the axle vent and contaminating the lube. This occurs more often than many people realize when the axle is submerged during launching of the boat. The Ford 8.8 in axle assembly will last almost indefinitely if the lube is changed at 100k intervals and the axle is not submerged or exposed to unreasonable loads. |
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| Where is the axle vent located? As there is a Class III hitch on the car, I'm surprised the repair shop foremen didn't mention it for he knows I tow a 17' I/O SeaRay. Hoo Boy!! I usually launch the boat up to the center of the trailer wheels and the rear wheels of the car aren't even in the water, but a splashing wave or two could enter the vent I suppose. I've had three Lincolns tow the same boat and the '82 went to the lake more frequently and lasted without a problem for 124,000 miles. | |
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One of the first questions asked by an experienced repairman regards the possibility of submersion of the axle when confronted with premature diferential failure, ESPECIALLY if it is known that the owner tows a boat! I also seem to recall that you were taken for something like $1000 to rebuild the diff. A much more cost effective approach is to obtain a good used diff from a salvage yard. They are plentiful and run $200 - 250. Maybe you need to look for a more competent repair shop. |
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| The owners maintenance manual said not to change the fluid or even check it before 100,000 miles. The problem began at 97,000 miles so I concluded the maintenance manual schedule deceived me and to appeal to Ford I would have to use a Ford authorized repair dealer. (You are probably correct and maybe even right to repair with Used Parts from a Yard, but how long would the used parts last and how could I sell the car to a friend later on having done the repair on the cheap?) $1136 was the total cost of repair using new Ford parts and having the local Ford dealer do the repair. After my in person conversation with Ford's Custom Service Rep in Bellevue, Ford reimbursed me 50% or $568. All new parts & the experienced mechanic at the dealer was very satisfactory. I can sell the car to a friend with a clear conscience. Now, pray tell, where is the rear axle vent? | |
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I understand your desire to have Ford repair the diff and think you were fortunate to get the reimbursment. The jiggle cap vent is located on top of the left side axle housing near the differential. It's purpose is to prevent internal pressure buildup which can cause premature seal lip wear and then leakage. |
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| I have had a problem with an intermittent clunking-rattling sound coming from the left front of my 2000 GM which only occurs at speeds of about 65+ mph. This started at about 28,000 miles. The sound is barely audible but noticeable. Wouldn't you know, the sound didn't occur when I took the car in for routine maintainence. They checked the front suspension and found no problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. | |
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| I'm looking at purchasing one of two cars and would like owners opinons (only please) on the Grand Marquis. The competition is the Buick LeSabre. It will be a new car purchase. Thanks for your input. | |
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macarthur2 - This of course boils down to individual preference. I have a 2001 GM and I am well satisfied with it for a number of reasons. I prefer rear wheel drive and it appears the industry is turning more in that direction with Cadillac and Chrysler offering more rear wheel drive vehicles in the next 2 years. Also the entire Buick lineup features the 3.8 litre engine, which although improved over the years has been around since the 1960's. Although Ford's 4.6 Litre V8 has had some intake manifold problems (they now provide an extended warranty on the manifold) this engine has current technology and should last longer. Ron |
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