Our first post-retirement trip is a bust. Made it from northern IL to Louisville KY, then Nashville TN. On way to Asheville NC, had to hard downshift up a hill to pass a truck doing 30mph. Soon after the engine started to knock and the low oil pressure warning appeared. I've read about this happening and it may have dropped a valve into the cylinder. No power from #1 and not much from #8.
Truck is under warranty and only has 18,000 miles of which 3,300 are towing. Ford paid for tow of truck and trailer to Soaring Eagle Campground just off I40 in Lenoir TN. Luckily they had enough room for the big wrecker to tow us into a space. On 6/2/14 truck towed to dealer. Waiting for teardown for Ford to determine fix/replacement but most likely new engine required. They also provided rental car for initial 10 days. He said this repair will take 10-15 business days. If it turns out to be a valve related problem it's not a unique problem although not common either. Guess I'll never force a downshift.
So we had to cancel reservations in Asheville NC, Charleston SC and for the Rally in Urbanna. We're out $400+. Using loaner car now in Asheville hotel and will go to Charleston hotel. Extra cost for 'lodging' $1,200 including Soaring Eagle, not to mention eating out every meal.
If truck is ready by 6/13 with a new engine we'll have to put on 400 non-towing miles then hopefully proceed to Natural Bridge VA on 6/15 with a final stop in Lexington KY.
Making the best of an unfortunate situation but really disappointed. We were looking forward to our first national rally. I love my truck, but now trusting it will be a challenge.
Jeff
P.S. - if you're ever in Asheville, Mama Gertie's campground is an interesting option. We drove to it to see what we missed. It's built into the side of a mountain so roads are narrow and steep but the sites are level. New sites at mountain top have no shade but do have gorgeous views of the maintain range.
Truck is under warranty and only has 18,000 miles of which 3,300 are towing. Ford paid for tow of truck and trailer to Soaring Eagle Campground just off I40 in Lenoir TN. Luckily they had enough room for the big wrecker to tow us into a space. On 6/2/14 truck towed to dealer. Waiting for teardown for Ford to determine fix/replacement but most likely new engine required. They also provided rental car for initial 10 days. He said this repair will take 10-15 business days. If it turns out to be a valve related problem it's not a unique problem although not common either. Guess I'll never force a downshift.
So we had to cancel reservations in Asheville NC, Charleston SC and for the Rally in Urbanna. We're out $400+. Using loaner car now in Asheville hotel and will go to Charleston hotel. Extra cost for 'lodging' $1,200 including Soaring Eagle, not to mention eating out every meal.
If truck is ready by 6/13 with a new engine we'll have to put on 400 non-towing miles then hopefully proceed to Natural Bridge VA on 6/15 with a final stop in Lexington KY.
Making the best of an unfortunate situation but really disappointed. We were looking forward to our first national rally. I love my truck, but now trusting it will be a challenge.
Jeff
P.S. - if you're ever in Asheville, Mama Gertie's campground is an interesting option. We drove to it to see what we missed. It's built into the side of a mountain so roads are narrow and steep but the sites are level. New sites at mountain top have no shade but do have gorgeous views of the maintain range.