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'04 Explorer Broken Valve Spring

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Old Feb 5, 2008 | 03:12 PM
  #1  
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'04 Explorer Broken Valve Spring

Just got the news that my 2004 Explorer (69,000 miles) with a 4.0L engine has a broken valve spring. I have done some research on the web and found this has happened to a couple of other people. Just wondering what my chances are of getting Ford to pay for the repair and perhaps if this a common problem with this engine. I do not have an extended warranty. Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2008 | 05:39 PM
  #2  
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Originally Posted by FireEngineRed
Just got the news that my 2004 Explorer (69,000 miles) with a 4.0L engine has a broken valve spring. I have done some research on the web and found this has happened to a couple of other people. Just wondering what my chances are of getting Ford to pay for the repair and perhaps if this a common problem with this engine. I do not have an extended warranty. Thanks in advance.
Dude thats not good.
I wouldn't buy a late model Ford without an extened warranty.

Ford doesn't stand by its products.
It can be fixed without taking off the head. Theres a tool that you plug into the head that allows the use of compressed air to hold the valve up while the spring is replaced.

Look around just about any good repair shop can to it.

Ford doesn't respect thier own product.

You're looking at maybe a couple of hundred bucks, then dump that POS.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 11:53 AM
  #3  
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redwing76
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Originally Posted by redwing76
Dude thats not good.
I wouldn't buy a late model Ford without an extened warranty.

Ford doesn't stand by its products.
It can be fixed without taking off the head. Theres a tool that you plug into the head that allows the use of compressed air to hold the valve up while the spring is replaced.

Look around just about any good repair shop can to it.

Ford doesn't respect thier own product.

You're looking at maybe a couple of hundred bucks, then dump that POS.
Opps, I forgot its a over head cam. I think the head might have to come off.

Good luck with it.
My 04 Ex wouldn't start this morning. Its been back from FORD for 5 days and its home sick.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 01:36 PM
  #4  
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CMOS
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From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by redwing76
Dude thats not good.
I wouldn't buy a late model Ford without an extened warranty.

Ford doesn't stand by its products.
It can be fixed without taking off the head. Theres a tool that you plug into the head that allows the use of compressed air to hold the valve up while the spring is replaced.

Look around just about any good repair shop can to it.

Ford doesn't respect thier own product.

You're looking at maybe a couple of hundred bucks, then dump that POS.


Um, don't you think that's a bit extreme? There are millions of Explorers on the road that have a very good track record. The sheer number of them on the road dictates that some small numner will have mechanical issues.

Most are very reliable.

I feel your pain when you get one with issues but in this case, one broken valve sprind does not = POS.

CMOS
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 02:03 PM
  #5  
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aquanaut20
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From: BC Canada
If the valve did not drop and strike the piston, it is an easy fix, do a leakdown test to make sure that the valve is still square with the seat, if it is load up cylinder with air(attach air hos where plug fits), remove cam shaft, unload valve spring with spring compresser, replace spring, install keepers and release spring compresser, install camshaft, remove air, reinstall plug, install valve cover, roll engine over, starts,

Some minor steps not included(common sense) sunday afternoon task....good luck...

Note: if you cant get it to hold on leakdown test, head needs to come off.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 06:06 PM
  #6  
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redwing76
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Originally Posted by CMOS
Um, don't you think that's a bit extreme? There are millions of Explorers on the road that have a very good track record. The sheer number of them on the road dictates that some small numner will have mechanical issues.

Most are very reliable.

I feel your pain when you get one with issues but in this case, one broken valve sprind does not = POS.

CMOS
I just spent $3,163 on my 04 last week and this morning it didn't want to start.
I cranked fine but it wouldn't start, after cranking for quite awhile it did start like it was flooded. In 3,400 miles of owning this truck Im really disapointed in it.

Perhaps mine is fluke but the number of unhappy customers with late model Explorers is really high.

So what does one broken valve spring at 67k miles mean if it doesn't that the truck is a POS?

Whats it take? A bad trans? My trans had to be repaired at 47k miles.
The ring and pinion had to be replaced at 47k miles. Now its hard to start?

In your opinion makes a car a pos? A blown engine? My kids 02 blew the engine at 132k.

Come out of that cave. Ford has lost it.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 06:12 PM
  #7  
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CMOS
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by redwing76
I just spent $3,163 on my 04 last week and this morning it didn't want to start.
I cranked fine but it wouldn't start, after cranking for quite awhile it did start like it was flooded. In 3,400 miles of owning this truck Im really disapointed in it.

Perhaps mine is fluke but the number of unhappy customers with late model Explorers is really high.

So what does one broken valve spring at 67k miles mean if it doesn't that the truck is a POS?

Whats it take? A bad trans? My trans had to be repaired at 47k miles.
The ring and pinion had to be replaced at 47k miles. Now its hard to start?

In your opinion makes a car a pos? A blown engine? My kids 02 blew the engine at 132k.

Come out of that cave. Ford has lost it.

Well in that case, with all of those issues, yes, I guess you do have a POS.


CMOS
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 06:47 PM
  #8  
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redwing76
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Originally Posted by CMOS
Well in that case, with all of those issues, yes, I guess you do have a POS.


CMOS
www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2002/drivetrain/rear/differential_problems.shtml

Http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0ed19a

http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/ex...fts_hard.shtml
 
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