Garage Cabinets, Garage Storage, and Garage Organization

My 4.6 Crown vic is in the dealer shop. I got a call that the #4 cylinder had some kinda prob. That the bottom end was tested and the prob was in the #4- could be a valve or busted spring. Dealer quoted me $1900. to pull the head and determine the problem (plus mach shop charges). I ok'd this since the Serv Mgr was adamant that the prob was definitely in the #4.

Next call I get is that the mechanic said the valve had scratched a lobe on the OH cam and that I would need a new cyl head. I have worked on my cars since 1975- no OHCs but I figured a cam is a cam and that a damaged cam would be replaced, maybe the bearings as well. I looked in the Ford manual and the manual outines the procede for R&R of a cam. Nowhere does it say replace the entire cyl head and valve train if there is damage to the lobe. The Serv mgr said I need a new head. He said $730 gor a dealer ford head. I authorized it. But I have been very suspicious.

Next call the Serv mgr tells me that the head is now building too much pressure and that a ring job is requires; but I may just need a NEW ENGINE.

The car was running tip top before it started pinging under load- I thought it was a dirty IAC OR EGR maybe. Is there any reason I need to have a new engine. At what point should I have become suspicious (assuming you think I should be)?

And what should I do now? The dealer says $2100. to pick up my car without any improvement over when I brought it in- no new engine of course.


HELP, I mean help!