Now we're looking at a 99 Expy EB also

Fordevil · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 06:33 PM

This one has 130K on it and the 5.4L engine. It did run a lot better than the 97 we're also looking at but it's burning off oil somewhere on the engine. Go figure, passenger side toward the back. If it weren't for that one issue it would be in our driveway tonight. It's going to the mechanic tomorrow to see what exactly the issue is, we need to know what we're looking at. Head gasket, valve cover... When I first opened it up on the highway it really stunk but then it cleaned up and I couldn't smell the oil at all the rest of the drive. When I got back to the lot I popped the hood and then could smell and see where the burning oil was but not exactly where it was coming from (I'm short, the engine is tall.. couldn't see much!) It ran really well, idled smooth. Shifting was a little clunky, it's an automatic with the AWD but when it shifted up it really clunked with each transition. Not sure how serious to take that?

The underside of the hood is clean and shiny... no scars.

We really like this one and I really hope it the mechanic finds reasonable repairs on it. It's really pretty and it's big and I just really like it. It has running boards, and leather. This is the one that the former owner's black lab ate half of the passenger seat but a seat cover will take care of that. And my dog is usually sitting over there anyway and she doesn't care. Price on this one is $4500, rock bottom. And the salesguy seems really annoyed at me for wanting to take it to a mechanic at that price but if this one doesn't pan out we will get the 97 and I want to see what I'm dealing with.

It's maroon with a grey interior... 6 disk changer. key pads on the door, lights on the running boards... man it's pretty.

SBastow · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 08:26 AM

I have a 99 EB AWD. Sounds like it is equipped exactly like mine(well, not mine its my wifes) Its been a great rig. AWD cuts into mileage though but you don't own these trucks to get good mileage. Good luck on your purchase.

Omahastro1 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 09:35 AM

Mine had an oil leak towards the back passenger side and it ended up being a head gasket. Lucky for me it ended up being covered on warranty. It could also be the valve cover gasket with that many miles. But these engines had a manufacturing problem at the factory with the machining of the passanger head. Mine was fixed at 29,000 mi and has been fine ever since, and it ran great except for the oil leak. The best way to see the leak is from underneath right above the starter is where mine was leaking. You can see if it is the head or the valve cover. It might need to be cleaned off though if it has been leaking for a while to get a real good look at it. If it has the automatic climate control make sure you check it out real good. Both the air and the heat. Blend doors seem to have a bad habit of going bad. I don't want to seem negative about the Epedition because I love mine, a 99 EB.

Darth Baiter · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008, 02:02 PM

Search under "head gasket oil leak", here's one for starters that I posted in: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/86...ease-read.html Figure a couple of $K to pull the engine and replace the head gaskets. Clunky trans is also not good IMO.

XsixxX · #5 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 10:12 AM

Too bad you're not local. I have a 99 XLT 5.4 Triton with 90K for sale CHEAP! $6800.00 Fully loaded. Runs like a top. I no longer need such a big truck. Possibly leaving again for the military...

Take a trip to FL

haha.. Good luck though.

eallanboggs · #6 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 12:37 AM

Years ago we were taught to use Desenex foot spray to spot hard to see oil leaks. You have to clean the surface thoroughly and let it dry. You then spray on the foot powder(it will stick to metal surfaces as well as feet). The foot powder is white making it easier to see the oil leak when you start the engine. This idea was for motorcyles, but it can be used on other types of engines.