Hello All:
I have a 1987 Ford Aerostar, 3.0L Engine, Auto Trans, 165K miles, that has been running good up until now. My oil, filters, and plugs were replaced about 3 months ago and I'm using 89 octane gas. While I was driving yesterday, engine running well, I turned a corner and the van stalled. It restarted and I drove it another 1/4 mile. While backing into a parking spot, it stalled again. After restarting, I noticed a tapping sound which I thought was coming from the exhaust system. I popped the hood and heard the sound coming from the engine area, near the alternator. I shut the engine and checked the oil after about an hour. It was slightly below full so I added a little more. The radiator needed a little fluid so I added some. Now I know since my inspection in July that the two belts, sepentine and alternator, were going to need replacing. They are warn but still holding up. Could this be my problem? Would one or both of these belts start slipping and create a tapping sound near the engine? I looked at them as the engine was running an they seemed to be spinning concentrically, without wobble. Please help me. What could be the worst case scenario and how much should it cost? Thank you for your time.

 

I would do a complete tune up including new plugs, wires, and a new air and fuel filter.

Has the van consumed a lot of gas latley? Does it do this when the fuel gauge gets low?

Also the tappety noise probably came from a noisy hydraulic lifter that is sticking.. I would get an oil change and have some Valvoline 10w30 dumped in. And a new filter..

Let me know how you made out..