Tow Vehicle Problems

SimonWright · **Posted:** Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:46 pm

OK, so my (technically my neighbor's) 1998 Explorer 5.0 v8 has developed a(nother) noise, this time a knocking from the engine. Ford says "bottom end rod knock" and suggests new engine ($4K+). Explorer has 180K miles on it so it doesn't make sense to throw serious money at it. I have no experience with this level of engine repair. What options are there for repairing or rebuilding the bottom end? How much $ is involved? Or is it time to shoot the horse and put it out of its misery?

Thanks.

Simon

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:04 pm

I would get out on to www.car-part.com and find a used engine and just swap it out. There's 5.0L from '98 Explorer with 91k on it for $700 at Wagner's in Durham. Swapping that out would be a 1 day deal. - AB

Bernie Baake · **Posted:** Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:24 pm

Simon, I'm not familiar with the explorer under body. but if you can get the oil pan off changing bearings, rod or main, is not too big a deal. If you have a mechanic do it it'll cost. If thats not where you want to go, take Aarons advice (which is the cheapest way to go if your not doing it yourself) and just swap the engine out. Then if you still feel like it, you could rebuild the old one at your leisure.

SimonWright · **Posted:** Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:31 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I feel more capable of swapping the engine rather than trying to change bearings but that's because I've done the former (though not an Explorer) but never the latter.

I'll take a look under the car and see how accessible it is.

Simon

jeremy gast · **Posted:** Fri Jan 30, 2009 8:13 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

I would get out on to www.car-part.com and find a used engine and just swap it out. There's 5.0L from '98 Explorer with 91k on it for $700 at Wagner's in Durham. Swapping that out would be a 1 day deal. - AB

just happens to be I am one of the lead salespeople there. I give tarheel members the same discounts i give other salvage yards. 10% off anything in stock over $100 and will help in all other ways that i can.

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Fri Jan 30, 2009 9:59 pm

that is unfortunate. I could ask father to ask his brother.. He is a private ford mechanic. Rod knock you say.. hmm. interesting. we had the 6.. we had detonation bad with ours.. it would knock sometimes alot at odd times.
Our problem was the 6 cylinder transmission.. it let go on us once or twice.. so that is why we got our big ford diesel. Tractor like pulling with it. There are still problems, it is a old ford. Though it can tow like a tractor and make good speed, pulling a trailer with a car on it. Not quick, but not sluggish either, it is the old 7.3l DI turbo. you all will see her this wk end.

SimonWright · **Posted:** Sat Jan 31, 2009 9:41 am

So, if we decide to do an engine swap is there anyone out there who might be able to help? For the proper compensation of course. I've never swapped a V8 Auto - i've only ever removed and replaced the Focus engine.

Thanks.

Simon

SimonWright · **Posted:** Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:22 pm

Just to follow up and close out this thread to those interested.

We managed to repair the Explorer to our satisfaction...

My neighbor must be a closet saint - we're now co-owners of a 2002 Sequoia.

Simon

Karl Shultz · **Posted:** Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:34 pm

SimonWright wrote:

My neighbor must be a closet saint - we're now co-owners of a 2002 Sequoia.

Simon

I'd say if he's letting you borrow what I think was about a $40,000 vehicle, he really isn't in the closet. He's sort of "out."

:lol:

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