99 Explorer XLT

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Apr 26, 2004 | 01:35 PM

Phil S

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99 Explorer XLT

My Explorer has about 90,000 miles and while driving recently the check engine light started flashing, then stopped, started flashing again, then stopped, then stayed on. It seemed to slowly lose power and really was running rough while idling. It also was making a steady clicking noise, sort of like a winch. I took it in to be looked at and they are suggesting replacing the engine. I've talked to some people who thought it might be a timing chain problem. Any thoughts/comments?

Apr 26, 2004 | 02:15 PM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

Why do they want to replace the -ouch- engine?? Do you know what codes were pulled?? Is this an SOHC??

Apr 26, 2004 | 02:35 PM

Phil S

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Yes, it is a SOHC. They've told me that all electrical and ignition diagnostic tests didn't show any problems. I don't know what codes were pulled. A compression test of the cylinders caused them to want to pull the engine and tear it down to figure it out OR replace the engine, which was their recommendation.

Apr 26, 2004 | 02:47 PM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

Hard to say from here, but if you trust the mechanic (you did'nt take it to the dealer did you?) i'd go with what they recommend. Low compression might just be a bad valve.

Apr 26, 2004 | 03:10 PM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

Did the compression check reveal at least one cylinder that gave a much different/lower reading than the others? Did they do a 'leak test' on it to determine if it's a specific cylinder. If it is a valve or timing chain problem, they shouldn't have to pull the whole motor. I wouldn't let them pull the motor unless they can give you something more concrete as to why they think the problem is in the bottom end.

Mike

Apr 27, 2004 | 08:34 AM

Phil S

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I did take it to the dealer - no significant repairs needed up until this point so I don't have a regular mechanic. That being said, I've talked to people I trust and will be taking it to a mechanic for a second look.

Anyway, the dealer did seem to believe it was specific to one cylinder. Also, I asked about the timing chain. I was told the SOHC has four timing chains and they had to pull the engine in order to get to the one in the back, which they suspect might be the cause of the problems.

I've seen people's comments about the ONP "recalls" related to the timing chains, guides, tensioners, etc. Do you think these apply to my situation?

Thanks for your comments, they have been helpful.

Apr 27, 2004 | 02:29 PM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

If they found low compression in one cylinder only, it's not a cam chain problem. Glad to hear that you are getting a second opinion. If -by tiny chance- you live in Orange county, Cal Castners in Placentia is an XLNT independant shop. BTW the recall on the cam chains is 00M12, but I think it only covers up to 72K miles. Try searching these forums & see if you come up with anything. Good luck with it.