Q: Engine’s knocking and burning oil

asked by on October 30, 2015

A few months back my 2006 Ford Escape began using up more oil than usual. The car was only at 45,000 miles so I wasn’t all that surprised. The problem got a little worse and then last week the engine started to knock. I was just about to have it checked out when the engine stopped running with a big clunk. It wouldn’t start up again. I think the engine may be totally busted at this point, which is disappointing. Is there anything I can do to get it replaced smoothly and keep the next one running longer?

In order for you to get your engine replaced as smoothly as possible, have it done by a qualified mechanic. The Ford dealer would be a good option if your vehicle is under warranty because the repair would likely be free or at very low cost to you. If the vehicle is not under warranty the next decision to make would be whether to install a brand new engine or get a used one. A new engine will be the best option because all the parts are new. A fresh engine is less likely to have any issues than a used one. On the other hand, a new engine would be much more expensive than a used one. If a new engine is the route you choose, simply install and drive as the new engine needs no initial maintenance. If a used engine is installed, replace all gaskets, spark plugs, oil, and rubber vacuum hoses as these are all maintenance items that can cause problems later on. It is a good idea to have this done before the engine is installed because, outside the vehicle, the parts to replace are much more accessible. Whether a new or used engine is used, it is a good idea to replace all of your engine mounts as well because any faulty mounts could lead to premature engine failure. As far as keeping it running longer just make sure to check the oil at least once a week in addition to all the other steps listed.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What Are the Different Drive Belts in Your Car?
Well depending on the year, make, and model, there are different kinds of belts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/understanding-all-the-drive-belts-in-your-car). On today’s newer vehicles a single belt called a serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-buy-a-good-quality-serpentine-drive-belt) is used. It’s called “serpentine” because it snakes around all the drive pulleys,...
Low oil pressure
Only a couple of things could cause this issue. Low oil is the most likely cause and under that would be a bad oil pump. The first thing I would do is check the oil level. If the oil level is...
Radio not working
It is possible that a fuse may have blown. I have experienced this situation several times with Volkswagen cars over the years. I would ask for help from one of the mechanics at YourMechanic. They can come to you and...
thinking of buying a truck with 300K miles,well maintained etc. would it be a good idea?
The thing to look at is this is a full size truck with a small V6 engine size. This engine would have worked harder than a larger V8 engine would have. This does not mean the engine is bad but...
Do you have to lift the engine to change to oil pan
Hi, thanks for writing in about your Ford 500. The short answer is no. You'll have to remove the catalyst, bracket, and then the transmission's lower inspection cover. Once that's done, remove the oil filter adaptor to the oil pan...
Rpms go up but the car wouldnt accelerate the way it should. Eventually after about a month the car would onlyago about 5 mph in
This may be a variety of possible things that could cause this to happen. If this is a fuel issue, it may be related to a throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) going bad. The throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) (TPS) is a...
My dashboard lights and taillights are not working.
The headlight switch will generally control parking lights, headlights, running lights and high beams. If you are getting power up to the switch and the components do not work, the fault may be in the switch or there is a...
Question about 1999 isuzu rodeo transmission
Hi there. Unfortunately, this is not a compatible fit for a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. It's always recommended to replace any component with the same parts from a similar year, make and model.
My 2006 Ford Mustang engine light came on with codes P0171, P0174, and P0402 what does this mean and can I still drive it if is ru
P0171 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) and P0174 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0174-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-2-by-blake-griffin) signify lean combustion, that is there is too little fuel in the air-fuel mix that is being combusted in the cylinders. Lean operation can occur due to an intake vacuum leak but in your circumstance...

Related articles

How Are Sensors Used to Improve a Car’s Performance?
Modern vehicles utilize a series of car sensors to improve performance and reduce emissions. The oxygen sensor helps reduce tailpipe emissions.
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-150
The The best-selling pickup truck in the US for over 30 years, the Ford F-150 has a lot to offer in reliability, durability, and the features that buyers want in a truck. The 2012 F-150 is not only a tough...
2012 Ford Escape vs. 2012 Honda CR-V: Which One Should I Buy?
SUVs represent one out of every three vehicles sold in 2012, making them one of the most-purchased types of vehicles in the country during that time period. Compact SUVs are a sub-class that are slightly smaller and offer the most...