Had my 07 SMB in couple of months ago with an oil leak and they put dye in the oil and said their was no engine oil leak. They instead claimed it was my front differential breather tube, and they replaced/re-routed the hose (added a longer piece), charged me $125 and sent me packing. I was able to determine this was not the case, and took it back into them today with a leak that dripped from the bottom of the radiator fan housing and they now say that I do indeed have a bed plate leak. It is still covered under the 3 year/36,000 warranty and I also purchased the extended warranty for $2,500.

They told me to take the cab off with all the custom modifications it will be 8 hour and $700 that I need to pay personally. I'm trying to visualize just what modifications they are talking about to take the cab off - I'm going to get the service manger to give me a list.

I have read the posts that talked about an allowance for "access time" (was wondering how much they are allowed for "access time") and was trying to get any advice regarding the $700 figure they are quoting me that I have to eat and what others might think.

Any help appreciated as it is scheduled to go into the shop on April 28.

I did see advice from other posts that recommended having them clean the EGR valve while the engine is out and I will have them do this - any other suggestions - don't think I need the stronger bolts and head gaskets, I don't have the SMB chipped nor do I tow and the engines are detuned versus the pickups.

Thanks in advance,

Scott

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2007 SMB White 4x4 RB50 6.0l Diesel PH, Toyo 295/70/17 M/T E
https://www.ecotonephoto.com/

TALK TO SPORTSMOBILE FIRST.

If nothing else, have SMB get you in touch with Jay Minto from Ford, who hopefully will be able to set your dealership straight.


Herb

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SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.

What is a "Bed Plate"?
Why would one have to pull an engine on a 2007?

Get your $125 back for the leak that they did not fix and go someplace else!

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07 E350, Custom and Lifted
08 Harley Davidson Street Glide
09 KTM EXC 530

Ditto, Jay Minto first.

Once you've got the real details, insist on talking to the service manager.

If that doesn't work, find a new dealer. No doubt you've read my post which includes that I heard Burt Ford got sued into closing for refusing to work on modified vehicles. I haven't found an article to go with it, but it came from my "real" diesel mechanic when talking about where to get the van serviced.

I also spent months in Tucson getting my $100 back from a Ford dealer for not fixing my engine light problem repeatedly. It took lots of personal appearances and constant calls.

Good luck!

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it was good to be back

Where are you taking your Van. Is it Broadway Ford in IF? If you like one of my best friends owns Auto Diesel here in Jackson Hole and he knows our Vans, he would be someone to ask and maybe have him take a look. I will call him tomorrow and ask him what he thinks. I understand you have the warranty but sometime it better to pay a little and have it fixed right. and your just down the street.
pm me if you like.
Ron

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Going where most dont
"one day at a time"

I had a bed plate leak on our 2007 6.0 PSD, SMB 4x4. It was fully covered under warranty, did not cost me a penny (except that the Amsoil oil change I did a month beforehand was for naught). They do have to pull the engine to fix this problem and our van was in the shop for about 1 week. No problems with the SMB 4x4 conversion. The work was done by Kearny Mesa Ford in San Diego, CA.

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2007 Ford RB Diesel SMB 4x4 Pueblo Gold; Custom configuration (aisle layout); PIAA 580 driving lights; Picked up on Oct 19, 2007.

When my 06 was in for several weeks in December for the bed plate leak and a HPOP leak, lots of complaining about the conversion making it difficult to complete the task, but no extra charge. They would not use my Amsoil oil either.

In February after another 19 day tear down to discover the same HPOP problem, a different Ford dealer, documented every extra step it took to perform the repair. A rather detailed list, I must say. They claimed the conversion was the cause for the added weeks in the shop. The dealer did request and receive a visit from the Ford Western Regional Service Manager to inspect the van. Again, no extra charge.

After the last repair, the compressor, high idle feature and back up camera were non- functional. The turbo exhaust down pipe now rubs against the dog house. After a Sunday afternoon of work in the driveway, everything is now connected and functional. The exhaust vs. doghouse is still a puzzle.

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Ralph B.

11 RB150 MB Sprinter w/pop top

Seriously? You are actually considering taking your SMB back to a dealership that was not capable of identifying an oil leak and letting them pull your engine? You can't force them to do a good job. Seems to me they have clearly told you they won't.

I would try to get my money back, but consider it a cheap lesson learned and be thankful they didn't get a chance to screw anything else up on my van (see above post for one of many examples). In this economy, they should be happy for the work. If they are complaining about getting the work, good luck getting their best effort.

Bottom line: trust is required in two areas - competence and honesty. From what you have described, they have blown both. RUN!

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Current: 2014 15 Passenger V8
Former: 2009 SMB 4x4 6.0

FWIW, I've had my engine pulled twice for the bed plate and no complaining of the conversion either time. They did mention that they couldn't take the body off as they normally would to get to the engine, so had to do a tear down of the front of the van and pull the engine out that way. Both times were covered under warranty.

I'd find another dealership.

Phil

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Phil

- 2005 EB50 6.0PSD - SMB 4x4

Yep, same as Phil....just had it done. Cost me 100 bucks. They even saved the amsoil but I had it changed anyway. Not worth not changing the oil (less than 1 month old) because what can be in it after the work.

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2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer

Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures..........On and off road adventures