HElp needed - BIG Problem with UK spec 1998 Explorer

ArtistsRifles · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2008, 08:20 AM

We have a problem with the wifes Explorer folks - last Sat whilst out driving we heard - and felt - a big bang from the drivers side front of the vehicle and saw something black bounce in the road behind us. Assumed at first we'd had a stone thrown up by the tyre - but then noticed that the charging light had come on and the steering had gone very hard. We were only a mile from our destination so carried on and checked it there. Opening the bonnet (European 4.0 V6) we found the serpentine belt pushed over to one side and the idler/tensioner pulley that sits below the alternator had disintegrated. The RAC brought us home and the car went into the garage on Monday, AM for repair.

Now the fun starts,

So far the main Ford agent has delivered two different parts, neither of which have been correct. The mechanic is trying to source a part but is being confused by the Ford agent who are telling him it's an Australian import...Doh!!!

Question I have is - has any one else in the UK had this issue and if so - do you know the correct part number for this pulley????

IB Adrian · #2 (**permalink**) 09-17-2008, 10:17 PM

Is it the OHC or OHV engine do you know?
It is the same engine that was fitted to the US Explorers, and it will be the same idler... Try FTE Parts Guy!
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: FTE/PARTS-GUY

(Give him the VIN just to make sure)

ArtistsRifles · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008, 05:06 AM

Many thanks!

Managed to source the prt from an independent Ford dealers/agents here - £140 fitted.

IB Adrian · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2008, 05:25 PM

Good to hear it is fixed!

ukmat71 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 03:30 PM

i dont think the ford 'stealers' here in the UK are all that. i have been waiting for 6 months now for the wiper motor recall thingy for my Excursion.
My Father who has an Explorer like you seems to be having trouble sourcing parts,when he goes to the dealer they refer him elsewhere ? and its an official UK car ?

so problem solved now , when i last went out to florida with the family , we took 5 suitcases out. 18 came back most full with clothes but i reckon at least 3 were full of Brake Discs, Pads, headlights etc , we just take the VIN numbers down to the local dealer & get them with no problems, and if the local dealer dont have them in stock, they are normally there within the week.
saves us wasting out time & money at the dealers here in the UK. . .

& we can get a little sun too

Greywolf · #6 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 05:32 PM

Tell ya what, Marcus - If you know anyone in the Royal navy that has any port calls over here (and I can't swear it's the same as in the US navy) they may have space allowed to bring things back on occasion

I was very tempted one year in Yokosuka Japan to hunt me down a DOHC head and cams for a Datson 280Z