Recall - Fuel/Exhaust/Cooling System Modification: Overview
88ford12
PLEASE GIVE COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN TO
JAN 1988 YOUR PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS
TO: Selected North American Ford and Ford Heavy Truck Dealers and Affiliated Ford Motor Companies
SUBJECT: Safety Recall 87S38 - Fuel/Exhaust/Cooling System Inspection and Modification Program for Certain Econoline Vehicles
VEHICLES AFFECTED:
Ford Motor Company is initiating a safety recall of certain 1983 through 1987-model Econoline E250/L350 vehicles equipped with 7.5 Liter engines as well as certain 1985 through 1987-model Econoline E250/E350 vehicles equipped with 5.8 Liter 4V H.D. engines. All involved vehicles are rated over 8,500 Lbs. GVW.
REASONS FOR THIS RECALL:
Ford has obtained information that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist in some of these vehicles that can, under certain conditions, result in fuel leaks or the expulsion of fuel from the filler pipe when the cap is removed. In the presence of an ignition source, leaking or expelled gasoline could ignite and a vehicle fire and an unreasonable risk of injury could result.
Unlike typical safety recall campaigns, we have not identified one specific cause of fires in these vehicles. Rather, the risk of fire is believed to result from a combination of adverse factors involving a vehicle's overall mechanical condition, including excessive underbody temperatures aad fuel system pressures, the operating practices to which it is subjected, and the use in some localities of highly-volatile "Winter Grade" gasoline during hot weather.
ACTION BY FORD:
Ford will inspect the involved vehicles for conditions that can cause or contribute to excessive fuel system pressures or elevated exhaust system temperatures. In addition, Ford will perform certain modifications at no-charge to the owners to make the vehicles more tolerant of excessive underbody heat and fuel system over-pressurization.
DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES
Owners may inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not performed without charge or within a reasonable time after the vehicle is brought to their dealership for repair.
If no vehicle listing is enclosed, you are not involved at this time, and this Service Recall Bulletin is for information only.
REPAIR CODES:
REFER TO ATTACHMENT II, (SEE PAGE 7) EXHIBIT II. TO ASSIST YOU IN SELECTING THE CORRECT PARTS KITS AND LABOR TIMES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLES, THE "REPAIR CODES" SHOWN ON THE REFERENCED EXHIBIT HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED. THESE "REPAIR CODES" WILL BE ALSO PRINTED ON THE OWNER LETTER. USE THE CODES TO DETERMINE REQUIRED PARTS KITS, WHEN SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE LABOR TIMES, AND WHEN PREPARING CLAIM FORMS AND SERVICE DOCUMENTS.
CARES/OASIS
Dealers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are to check the CARES and OASIS programs to determine if an affected vehicle is involved in another recall.
MAJOR PROGRAM FEATURES SUMMARY
Refer to Attachment I.
TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to Attachment II.
CLAIM FORM
Only a dealer generated claim Form 1864 is acceptable for this recall. Refer to Attachment II for preparation instructions.
PARTS REQUIREMENTS
Refer to Attachment II.
SPECIAL TOOL REQUIREMENTS
Refer to Attachment II.
LABOR ALLOWANCE
Refer to Attachment II.
OWNER NOTIFICATION
Owners will be notified with the letter shown on Attachment III.
FIELD ASSISTANCE
Contact your supervising Ford location with any problems you have concerning this recall. Additionally, a special toll-free telephone line is also available to assist in resolving unusual repair issues technicians may encounter. Personnel are available daily from 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. EST to provide technical assistance by calling 1-800-445-1571 or (313) 390-2317 or 2318.
Attachments:
1. Attachment I - Summary of Major Recall Features
2. Attachment II - Technical and Administrative Instructions
3. Attachment II, Exhibit 1 - Supplemental Technical Notes
4. Attachment II, Exhibit 2 - Description of "Repair Codes"
5. Attachment III - Owner Notification Letter
Enclosures:
1. Inspection Forms and copies of Kit Installation Instructions
Note.: For those dealers having vehicle involvement in this recall, the following materials will be direct shipped by air freight free-of-charge.
1. Special training video (in VHS format) covering inspection/modification kit installation procedures
2. Rotunda Fuel System Leak Tester Kit (except for dealers participating in Safety Recall 87M53, who already have these tester kits).
(If a dealer has no vehicle involvement but an owner presents a vehicle for this recall service, the dealer should then contact Service Recalls, Ford International Export Sales for free-of-charge provision of the special training video and leak tester kit.)