03 ford explorer 4.0 problem
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03 ford explorer 4.0 problem
I have a 2003 exp and it rattles when running and when I looked the driver side valve cover was broke in the front of motor. can any body help? the motor won't keep running either!
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Welcome to FTE!
First, shut it off and don't start it.
Second, where the valve cover is broken, what do you see? Chain hanging out, or visible, other parts? Oil in mass quantities?
Step by step:
1) Remove engine from vehicle.
2) Rebuild top end as needed, minimum replace chains and tensioners. Check cylinders for damage and wear. Check tops of pistons for marks, damage.
3a) If damage to cylinders or pistons, complete rebuild or replace.
or
3b) If no damage, reinstall top end with new components, reinstall engine, drive as needed.
First, shut it off and don't start it.
Second, where the valve cover is broken, what do you see? Chain hanging out, or visible, other parts? Oil in mass quantities?
Step by step:
1) Remove engine from vehicle.
2) Rebuild top end as needed, minimum replace chains and tensioners. Check cylinders for damage and wear. Check tops of pistons for marks, damage.
3a) If damage to cylinders or pistons, complete rebuild or replace.
or
3b) If no damage, reinstall top end with new components, reinstall engine, drive as needed.
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Can't see anything but oil. Checked dip stick and oil is still full. Can't see chain. It is on the drivers side on front of valve cover so it will be easy to get to. When I parked it was fine. Went to go somewhere and it rattled and stopped. it is sitting in my drive so that is good. a little oil has leaked out right where it is broke but not massive amounts. Since it is on drivers side, will I need to have the motor taken out? Don't know a mechanic in my area who does this sort of thing since my brother no longer does this type of work. He does the easy things but nothing this intense. I don't want to over pay someone who may think because I am a woman I won't know. Can anyone tell me about what labor should cost for something like this?
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If the front one went, the back one is sure to go soon.
The back one requires engine removal.
This is a pretty optimistic estimate for tensioner and intake fixes:
1998 Ford Explorer Reliability - MSN Autos
IF the chain, sprocket, head, block aren't damaged, that might do it. That plus a new valve cover, $25 and up:
ford 4.0 valve covers | eBay
IF you can get by with that, get rid of it pronto.
So, we are looking at a couple hours labor and under $100 in parts at the minimum.
If your brother used to do this kind of work, perhaps he knows a trusted shop to go to, or can at least be the critical eye on any estimate you get.
The back one requires engine removal.
This is a pretty optimistic estimate for tensioner and intake fixes:
1998 Ford Explorer Reliability - MSN Autos
IF the chain, sprocket, head, block aren't damaged, that might do it. That plus a new valve cover, $25 and up:
ford 4.0 valve covers | eBay
IF you can get by with that, get rid of it pronto.
So, we are looking at a couple hours labor and under $100 in parts at the minimum.
If your brother used to do this kind of work, perhaps he knows a trusted shop to go to, or can at least be the critical eye on any estimate you get.
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Thanks for reply. Gonna take it to a mechanic and see what it needs. My Brother is gonna go with me. Hopefully it will be the minimum. I am still paying on it so can't get rid of it. It has been a great vehicle so I am trying to decide if once it is fixed if it is minor if I will trade it in.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Good luck with it. I hate to keep badmouthing the Exploder, as I have a '98, but the fact is the chain tensioners are weak. They were supposed to be fixed by '03, and Ford had an extended warranty on them too. The whole cam chain set up is terrible, with the chain in the back...
Then there is the automatic trans.....
Anyway, enough of that, good luck on the fix.
Then there is the automatic trans.....
Anyway, enough of that, good luck on the fix.
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