[Bad Granpa]

So I was gifted a 2004 Escape xlt. Being ancient, and it being as powerful as a wet fart, I drove it gently. Then one morning it fires up with an indicative momentary rattle making me think I should check the oil after work. But no, two miles later it starts banging like a heavy metal band, looses power, dies, then the oil light came on!! Super handy that!!! So I put it up for spares or repair with no takers. So now I’m considering throwing money I don’t have into a potential pit. Options being strip it and replace the parts, drop the engine into a lake and get another, drop kick the engine into the lake and fit a beast engine and box since the gearing leaves a lot to be desired or buy some steaks, set it alight and bbq the steaks. What would you do and what beastly engines would drop in instead of the standard 3 litre?

 

[LX302]

My opinion, would be to sell it for scrap, no use putting any more money into it. You will never like driving it and it won't be worth anything to anyone else. If you live in the rust belt, the body and frame are probably shot.

 

[Raybz]

Go on peddle.com and see what they offer I got $1200 for an F150 with a blown head gasket and some body damage

 

[JohnCT]

Go on peddle.com and see what they offer I got $1200 for an F150 with a blown head gasket and some body damage

I just entered my 05 Tribute running and driving, and they offered $500.

John

 

[tomw]

Not knowing your $$ situation, nor how well you know the vehicle, it may be less costly to repair rather than replace. If you junk it, you may spend more on something you don't know at all with no assurance it will last 100 yards out of the sales lot. The 3.0 v6 actually should perform well. You may have loose cam journal caps allowing the cams to move around. That has happened, but generally word is that the cams make some noise before trying to get from under the covers.
Have you checked the level of oil on the dipstick? A used engine is not out of the question, but you may find yours was slow due to the catalytic converters (built into each exhaust manifold) have gotten damaged and started to melt and block exhaust gas flow. They are known to self-destruct when there is misfire in the ignition system. Not very forgiving.
If you compare the parts and labor for a used engine vs the cost of another vehicle, then you can make an informed decision. Would not hurt to have a mechanic take a look or listen.
tom