mikeinri
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- January 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,127
- Reaction score
- 6
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 04 Explorer, 94 XLT (RIP)
Hey,
Any Ford techs here that can help with this???
I've searched and didn't see anything that would really answer this.
I have a 2004 Explorer, 4.0L with 104,000 miles. The engine has been vibrating somewhat, but there are no other symptoms such as poor acceleration, skipping, etc.
When warm, the engine idles as low as 600 RPM. Not sure if that is normal, but at this idling speed, the vibration is most obvious (although still pretty slight). You can see the engine shaking a little, and you can feel a light vibration through the seat and steering wheel.
I changed the plugs and wires, no change.
I had the truck into the dealership for wheel bearing problems, and a Ford mechanic noticed the engine vibration, and said that I need a new harmonic balancer. I asked him why, and he said that since the engine is vibrating, and isn't missing, and there are no codes, he thinks I need a harmonic balancer. His main reason for this is that they recently had another truck with the same symptoms, and after replacing lots of other stuff, it came down to the harmonic balancer.
To me, that's just a bit too much guesswork for me to spend the money on this (several hundred dollars). My local mechanic (not a Ford tech) has the same truck with the same mileage and symptoms, and said he never heard of this problem and to leave it alone.
I need to know if this really is bad, because I've been told the crankshaft could snap if this part quits. I really can't afford to deal with that either.
What are the real symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer? The Ford guy told me to stick my finger into the crank pulley, and if I can feel the lead weight moving around, the part is bad. I tried this, and there is something moving slightly (still attached, but moves when you press it side to side).
Help, I'm totally stumped!!!
Mike
Any Ford techs here that can help with this???
I've searched and didn't see anything that would really answer this.
I have a 2004 Explorer, 4.0L with 104,000 miles. The engine has been vibrating somewhat, but there are no other symptoms such as poor acceleration, skipping, etc.
When warm, the engine idles as low as 600 RPM. Not sure if that is normal, but at this idling speed, the vibration is most obvious (although still pretty slight). You can see the engine shaking a little, and you can feel a light vibration through the seat and steering wheel.
I changed the plugs and wires, no change.
I had the truck into the dealership for wheel bearing problems, and a Ford mechanic noticed the engine vibration, and said that I need a new harmonic balancer. I asked him why, and he said that since the engine is vibrating, and isn't missing, and there are no codes, he thinks I need a harmonic balancer. His main reason for this is that they recently had another truck with the same symptoms, and after replacing lots of other stuff, it came down to the harmonic balancer.
To me, that's just a bit too much guesswork for me to spend the money on this (several hundred dollars). My local mechanic (not a Ford tech) has the same truck with the same mileage and symptoms, and said he never heard of this problem and to leave it alone.
I need to know if this really is bad, because I've been told the crankshaft could snap if this part quits. I really can't afford to deal with that either.
What are the real symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer? The Ford guy told me to stick my finger into the crank pulley, and if I can feel the lead weight moving around, the part is bad. I tried this, and there is something moving slightly (still attached, but moves when you press it side to side).
Help, I'm totally stumped!!!
Mike