91 Expolrer Questions
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Ohio
91 Expolrer Questions
I have a chance to get a 91 4X4 XL Explorer with a 4.0 auto trans.and I have some questions about it. I took it for a test drive today and I noticed that when we first started it up the lifters would chatter a bit until it warmed up then it sounded fine. Is this normal or is there some internal motor work needed? I noticed the temp gauge would go from about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way to the hot side and then drop back to the 1/2 way point and stay there. Is this normal? When we would take off from a stop sign it would shift into 2nd at about 35 and then it would shift into overdrive at about 55mph but it would be tacking at 3000rpm. when it shifted. After it shifted into overdrive it would tack 1500-1800. Does that sound about right? Thanks for any and all info.....Larry
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i own a 93 and i have driven my buddys 91' quite a few times. the lifter noise is not normal, and the temp guage on both vehicles i've driven never went past the 5/8 mark. it usually stays in the middle. not sure about the transmission though. hope this helps
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Washington
I have a 91 and it has 149,000 on it. No lifter noise and no other unsual sounds either except the usual power steeing whine that is typical for Fords. My temp gage comes up steady to 1/2 and stays there. The trans upshifts at lower speeds and very smooth but I had it rebuilt at 136,000. It sound like to me that your 91 is about at the end of the line. They are not called exploders for nothing!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Conroe, TX
The 4.0L engine is know to sometimes have some lift noise problem. It is caused by the rocker arms wearing and the lifters colapsing. Mine has had the lift noise for around 20-25 thousand miles. The engine has only 110,000 miles on it. It is not hurting the engine when the lifters are making the nose. It is more of an annoyance than a real problem.
The problem with the temp gauge is caused by a bad or worn out theromstat, which is very easy to replace.
The transmition problem sounds like a vacuum problem. Which is very easy to fix.
Depending on the price, i would take it. The explorer has a bad rap , but it is a very safe and dependable truck.
Chris
The problem with the temp gauge is caused by a bad or worn out theromstat, which is very easy to replace.
The transmition problem sounds like a vacuum problem. Which is very easy to fix.
Depending on the price, i would take it. The explorer has a bad rap , but it is a very safe and dependable truck.
Chris
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
I agree with the previous post. Lifter noise is somewhat common on the early 4.0s. My '92 has had the problem since about 110k (now has 150k). My '91 doesn't have the problem, but I also put new heads on at about 120k. Flucuating temp guage is most likely the thermostat. Easy repair, about $10, and it's considered normal maintenance. Make sure you drive the exp stone cold and check for trans slippage. The trans can be a weak point, and usually exhibits a problem before it gets to operating temperature.
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: NJ
I have a 93 explorer with 157,000 miles on it. Original engine and transmission. Actually, the transmission has never been serviced. I think what you are describing is normal and should not be cause for great concern. My lifters chatter a bit when first starting but quickly quiet down. I have been putting a quart of Lucas stabilizer in with each oil change. That seems to help a bit. I do not know at what speed the trans shifts, but I do know that it runs about 2000 RPM at 65 MPH.
As for the temperature fluctuation, I agree the thermostat should be replaced. Removing the serpentine belt makes that job easier. You may want to check some of my posts from the last two months. I had a fluctuating temperature gauge. After lots of searching, mine turned out to be a clogged heater core. I easily flushed out the clog and it instantly fixed the problem. If you have no heat or low heat in the cabin you may want to check your heater core.
As for the temperature fluctuation, I agree the thermostat should be replaced. Removing the serpentine belt makes that job easier. You may want to check some of my posts from the last two months. I had a fluctuating temperature gauge. After lots of searching, mine turned out to be a clogged heater core. I easily flushed out the clog and it instantly fixed the problem. If you have no heat or low heat in the cabin you may want to check your heater core.
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