Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 8/11/2010

Question
RICHARD I AM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OVER REVVING MOTORS WITH THROWN RODS.  MY F350 LEFT THE ROAD IN FEB. BECAUSE OF A STEERING ROD FAILURE. THE TRUCK LEFT THE ROAD WENT AIRBORN AND FINALLY CAME TO A REST IN A DEEP DITCH. THE INSURANCE COMPANY FIXED THE TRUCK BUT A COUPLE DAYS AFTER I GOT IT BACK FROM THE REPAIRS, IT THREW A ROD. I HAVE SERVICE MANAGERS AND MACHINE SHOPS TELLING ME THAT IT MOST LIKELY IS THE RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. INSURANCE COMPANY SAID PROVE IT. THE MOTOR HAS BEEN TAKEN APART, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE DOCUMENTATION ON THIS KIND OF DAMAGE TO SEND WITH THE PAPERWORK FROM THE SHOP. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE OR ANY REFERENCES, THAT YOU CAN GIVE ME?

Answer
Hi Gary,

This is a tough situation. Depending on the age and mileage on your truck, even if you can get them to pay, it would be on a prorated basis. The engine and its moving parts are considered to be a wear item that wears out over time. So for example, if you have 25,000 miles on the truck and the engine life is considered to be 100,000 miles, you would have to pay 25% of the cost since you have already used 25% of the life of the part.

You will need to find an ASE Certified Master Mechanic. It would be best to find one that has also provided expert written reports as well as expert court testimony. That person would need to inspect the vehicle , the engine specifically and write a detailed report of their findings and how the damage relates to the accident. You can expect to pay this person $150 to $300 per hour for their time.

You may start with the ASE website at www.ase.com .

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh