Ford dealerships bill this repair as $480 labor + gasket set $100 + two O2 Sensors $160 pair + any related damage accordingly, replacement head $500. according to my info they have done tens of thousands of these jobs, Taurus was the best selling domestic car for many years, these engines where avilable in T-birds, Windstar mini vans, and Ranger pickups as well as a few other models.

Service Program Number 00M09

The paper work lists 94 and 95 Taurus and 95 Windstar Vans under this "program"

You can witness the misery by starting to look here:

http://www.thecomplaintstation/f/ford-toc.htm

probably won't help in this case as to the age of the car but you never know, there are rumors that Ford will pay out something in small claims actions so it might be worth the filing fee! Or unload the car as is if you can unfortunately anyone in the automotive field is probably hip to this issue or do some DIY wrenching, learn a little, and unload it.

To bad, last I heard this engine was still coming off the production line.