Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

2002 Exploder 4.6L rod bearings shot

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 12, 2014 | 08:42 PM
  #1  
greggmh123's Avatar
greggmh123
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2002 Exploder 4.6L rod bearings shot

Hello!

I just got the bad news that my rod bearings are toast on my 2002 Exploder XLT.

Looking through these forums, it seems to be a common problem. Has anyone here ever had Ford give them help, or an opinion of WHY this happens?

I am going to try to reach a Ford engineer I knew 15 years ago when I was a Ford tune-up tech to see what he thinks.

My mechanic said there is no sign of why it happened, other than slightly too much play in the crankshaft from front to back, which he said MAY be related. The oil has been changed frequently, was clean except for bearing flakes, and the oil pickup was "immaculate" in his words. The oil pressure has never been low on the gauge, it has never been overheated.

Can someone make a large bowl of soup for me so that I can cry into it?

Gregg Hill
 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2014 | 12:12 AM
  #2  
Mikeman's Avatar
Mikeman
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 4
From: PNW
Well, that's a real pisser. How many miles on your Explorer? Is there a design deficiency with the motor such as poor lubrication? Or did Ford put out a batch with quality problems? Maybe the motors weren't machined correctly?

Back when I started my search for an Explorer, I hadn't heard of this problem. The consensus was to get a V8. I picked up a '98 4.0 with the pushrod motor. I may pick up another Explorer in the future, but if this a somewhat common problem with the 4.6, then this confirms my belief that pushrod motors are the way to go. On the other hand, if you have 200k on the motor, maybe this isn't so bad.

What kind of soup would you like?
 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2014 | 09:17 PM
  #3  
greggmh123's Avatar
greggmh123
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hmm, I forgot to mention, that it has only 146,000 miles on it. Honestly, it has been the worst Ford I have ever owned, starting with my screaming orange Ford Fiesta, which ended up being a dang good car.

Even as a Ford tune-up tech from 1981 to 1999, we thought of the 4.6L as bullet-proof. Maybe someone made better bullets!

So, I wonder if the Ford Edge is a POS or a good truck to buy?

Gregg Hill
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Finally Powerstrokin
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
9
Jan 31, 2013 06:17 AM
iambeeman
3.8 & 4.2L V6
6
Aug 12, 2012 08:05 PM
The_Josh_Bear
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
8
Dec 19, 2011 03:44 PM
Fifty4F100
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
13
Oct 7, 2010 02:12 AM
usedtolovemytk
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Nov 8, 2000 11:49 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:48 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE