I have been wanting to get the oil pump on my Probe replaced for some time now, because the "ticking" noise is very annoying, and embarrassing. Well, I have been back and forth with my local Ford Dealer and Ford Motor Customer Service trying to get some compensation for the cost of the redesigned pump and the cost of replacing it. I have verified that the pump was indeed redesigned, the only problem now is getting the new one on my car. My local Ford dealer quoted $251 for the part, then there is labor. I am guessimating another $250 for labor, because it is no easy job, in fact, $250 may be low-balling it. The poor design was Ford Motor Company's fault, not ours, so I feel we should be compensated for the installation and cost of this new pump. What I would like for people to do, if they are willing, is just call the Ford Motor Customer Service at 1-800-392-3673, and just be blunt, and say you have verified a the faulty oil pump that came on our cars, and would like to be compensated for the cost of the new pump and installation. If they ask how, refer them to the AERA (American Engine Rebuilders Association) Technical Bulletin 1633. From what I have heard it sounds like about every 2.0L Probe owner I know has this problem, signiture being the noisy annoying HLA's. While we may not get anything, at least will request will be documented and perhaps one day Ford will wake up and take responsibility for the faulty design. Thank you Bryan Pendleton

I called Ford to ask about the oil pump problem. Ford said they are going to send a notice to the dealer near my house about my complaint and "notify" the appropriate internal departments. The call took less than 5 minutes, so I urge everyone else on the list to make the same call. Hopefully, the squeaky wheel will get the grease. This is nothing short of poor engineering and Ford should remedy the situation. Thanks, Chris

What years are you talking about with the faulty oil pump? I have a base '97 and with 68,000 miles on it I don't hear any ticking. I do change oil and fiter every 2000 miles. Nestor Evancevich

I have a 93 PSE WITH 48,000 miles. When it is running The only noise I can hear is the leak in the exhaust. I don't hear the fuel pump or anything else for that matter. Is my car included in this problem or is it just something I get to look forward too? Jamie

Speaking of exhaust leaks, what does it sound like. I have this noise that sounds like something metal dragging on pavement and only happens between 2-3k rpm range and only until the engine heats up. I have heard it could be the cat converter...anyone else have ideas. And I also have had the ticking noise but I changed my oil and put in synthetic oil and it went away. Thanks Marc 93' PSE

The technical bulletin includes 1993-1996 2.0L engine, so you 97' is safe. Otherwise, whether your engine is suffering from this annoying ticking or not, I encourage you to call and express your concern regarding this bulletin, except for you 1997 model owners. Enjoy, Bryan Pendleton >

I use to think it was the oil degrading too, but after much experimenting I realized that when the car was allowed to idle for extended lengths of time it would start. Then I stumbled onto the technical bulletin, and it explained everything. I too switched to synthetic but the problem only seemed to get worse, I suspect because of the lower viscocity of sythetic oil, air infiltration occured easier. Who knows? I have just learned to not let me car idle long, in fact I rev my engine a red lights to keep the rpms up. Down side is everyone thinks I am looking to race. 8-) I'll wait till the turbo is installed for that. 8-) Enjoy, Bryan >

THe synthetic oil made the problem worse? I just bought synthetic for teh next oil change, thinking that its superior lubrication properties would be better. Chris

Don't get me wrong. Synthetic is superior in regard to lubrication and degradation properties. I was just implying that it MAY allow infiltration of air into our oiling system more eaily than older petroleum based oils. There is nothing wrong with synthetic oil though, its are oil pumps that are defective. Bryan >

is there a specific # to call, if so what is it, otherwise just call the dealership?

I Have that same problem and have been trying to figure it out for a year now. I've taken it to many shops and nobody can figure it out! If you figure it out let me know PLEASE! Dan

Figure what out??? It's figured. >