Timing chain broke on my 2001 mercury cougar

2001 Mercury Cougar VIN: 1ZWFT61L915626172 Style / Body: Coupe 2D Engine: 2.5L V6 EFI Country of Assembly: United States You know all that. But after a lot of searching ...the 2.5L is Quote: "There's a lot of people claiming it is an interference engine and an equal number who claim it isn't." End quote, This is because timing chain failures are so rare nobody agrees. Not enough failures to get a straight answer

http://yourcarangel.com/2014/07/interference-engines-complete-list/ says non interference

If you spend money and have it fixed...demand the mechanic show you bent valves....some proof there was a collision between valves and pistons. That's the whole thing behind whether it's interference or not. Just make sure he is not ripping you off

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/List_Of_Interference_Engines says non. The more I look the more I see that is NON. Be very careful with that shop

http://www.fixya.com/f/landing/tagspage/non_interference_engine_list?cmpid=20150324&gclid=CJXIsuKJjscCFYsDaQodfKAGpQ -- NON INTERFERENCE

Bob, I hope you're reading this and KThomas- I'm sorry for your loss. It's probably complete engine failure and not worth fixing your car. You know, a lot of people complain about timing belts, but , at least, they're easier to replace and there's a schedule for them. With timing chains, that are supposed to last the "life of the car", no one ever thinks about them. There were a lot of problems with Honda CRV's in the mid 2000s as well. This is a really bad and unexpected event. Read more: http://www.redlinemotive.com/replacement/mercury/timingchain.asp#ixzz3hnXAUPIA

Read this, it is definitely an interference engine, http://www.flatratetech.com/community/index.php?showtopic=32964

If you purchase another car, skip Mercury!

http://www.redlinemotive.com/replacement/mercury/timingchain.asp

All due respect Mark, the first link above I tried to see before...nothing there. I must be doing something wrong to get 'In' the .flatratetech.com one. Now, the. redlinemotive.com link.all good information but I fail to see where it says the 2.5 is interference. That contradicts every site I saw. And Mercury is Ford. Next best thing to Toyota and Honda IMO. I had a 1972 Cougar when I was 19 years old. A 302. But being 19, I used and abused that car to the point of being I don't know how it held together..but it did for 90,000 hard miles. In 3 years.

http://www.flatratetech.com/community/index.php?showtopic=32964

fordnut, read the posts on the link I just posted, a couple of lines down, it says interference.

fornut, here's an excerpt from the conversation in which they're talking about this engine, "The timing chain tensioners are known suspects. My guess is they got sloppy, and let the timing chain(s) skip a tooth or 2. This in turn would explain your low compression. Because that is an interference engine"

the conversation is talking about the 2.5 duratec engine from the Mercury Cougar 2001 - V6 engine, - this is the same car, correct? http://www.flatratetech.com/community/index.php?showtopic=32964 Do you see the operative phrase now?

Smoking gun conversation, they're talking about an '02 here, but, I think the same holds true for the 2001, why else would their mechanic bring that up? In any case, this is really bad, agreed? Re: '02 V6... interference or not..? There's a lot of people claiming it is an interference engine and an equal number who claim it isn't. Most of the posts I've seen are over on the Taurus forums and a lot recommend asking us over here on NECO and CEG for confirmation. To the best of my knowledge all V6 Duratecs are interference engines. http://www.newcougar.org/forums/general-info/170378-02-v6-interference-not.html

Really Mark, I'm trying to work with you. But every time I link , hyperlink, or copy and paste the web address, or I even typed it in letter for letter and I don't get anything except this logo. Nothing else. (Could it be my Ad-block?)

How many miles on this car?

The engine has 164000. It has new caytilitic converts, oxygen sensors, alternator, radiator, power steering pump, spark plugs and wires, serpintine belt. So I thought I could transfer all of that to a replacement engine.

I would think even if the engine is of the interference type a couple of rebuilt cylinder heads may fix it, in addition to new timing chain and related parts. It is possible that the only damage done is the timing chain. It would be up to your mechanic to investigate if bent valves have happened.

That's what a mechanic told me when I had it towed to them. But I don't think they took it apart.

KThomas, look, your car is 15 years old, and you've got 164,000 miles on the clock , who knows what else is failing, transmission, suspension is very old, no electronic stability control, etc. Its time to say goodbye. Try getting a later model lease return that is certified. A three year old car with 40,000 miles or less would be a perfect solution for you instead of sinking thousand of dollars into this old car. If you decided to repair, it will take years to get a return on your investment.

KTHOMAS, read this article below, http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/01/piston-slap-escaping-a- duratec-headache/

KTHOMAS, one last question, did you notice that your engine started to sound a little more noisy the last 5,000 miles or so before the timing chain failure. Just curious?

Dude put a belt on it. I had the same problem and its a non interference motor. Also if everyone is so wise on the subject then they would recognize that the 2.0 and 2.5 are 4 cylinder engines

Try to check previous damages with vin number check service like epicvin.com . Who know what surprises you can find out there about your car.

shane the 2.0 is a four cylinder and the 2.5 is a v6 buddy i have a 2.5 and im pretty sure i changed 6 spark plugs unless there putting 2 extra in there now lol

Hey Mark Have a Honda CRV with a chain and the 2.4 Absolutely no problems with it It now has 190k miles and no leaks or problems My other car is an 88 Mercury Cougar the LS with the 3.8 liter Now have other 200k on and it runs great Power with economy Getting 25 hwy 20 city Never burns oil and doesnt ever run hot Water pump just start leaking Big deal AC still works as well as power seats and windows are fine and still plays the cassettes well Front end straight now tire wear 14 inch tires 195 75 r 14 s are very inexpensive or 205 75R 14 s are cheap too