[drcoastline]

Thanks for all the posts.

Just to fill you in a little bit more. When my factory warranty was expiring I purchased an aftermarket warranty for $1,200.00. It covers 60 months or 100,000 miles which ever comes first for all engine, drive train, internally lubricated components and associated electrical items. That is 100,000 miles over the mileage at the time of purchase.

I spoke to the mechanic today who I trust and has done right by me so far on other vehicles. The shop manager that I spoke to yesterday I have had minimal interaction with in the past, but he just doesn't seem reputable to me. I think he smelled easy money. When I dropped it off I did not authorize any repairs, only diagnosis as the repair may be covered by the warranty.

So today when I met with the mechanic he stated he confirmed two broken studs on the back of the exhaust manifold which I knew. He further stated he used a mechanics stethoscope on the engine to see if he could locate the source of the tapping I explained. He stated when he used the stethoscope on the bottom of the engine

"he could hear an internal tapping noise"

I concur with you guys every rod knock I have ever heard sounded like a power stroke diesel, you didn't need a stethoscope to hear it.

The shop owner was in ear shot as the mechanic and I had our conversation and I questioned the shop managers explanation and statement the vehicle needed an engine. At this point the shop owner chimed in stating the manager most likely recommended the engine swap as it is often cheaper to buy a re-man than rebuild the original as the rest of the engine is still original and could potentially fail down the road.

I explained that is all well and good however, a swap would devalue the vehicle as 1. the numbers would no longer match. I wasn't all that concerned about that. But more importantly I would no longer be able to certify the mileage should I choose to sell or trade it in at some point. He didn't have much to stay after that. Again, my opinion is the shop manager smelled easy money counted on my not knowing or questioning his statement and lastly I think the mechanic and owner tried to cover for him.

So right now I haven't made any decisions but am leaning toward nkowi's suggestion and having the studs repaired. I will bring it home and see how it sounds, performs and see if anything changes, get a second or third opinion and I will also do the engine oil check as MrMerlin suggested.

I am open to any other suggestions you all may have.

Thanks again for all your in put thus far.