Replace the engine?

[sexyhex]

Well, I was having heat issues and check gauge issues. I took it to the ford dealership and this is what I was told was wrong:

Lower end bearings out
Head gaskets blown
Timing chains rattling

Dealership wants to replace the entire engine. With labor included, the grand total is right about $6,000. Can this be fixed without the engine? Please help! =(

(This is on a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD V6. 103,000 miles.)

 

[fixxxer]

Is that a quote for a new engine or a rebuilt engine?

 

[sexyhex]

New engine. I was quoted something like $4,400 for the engine, $1,500 for 18 hours of labor.

 

[fixxxer]

For a dealership, that actually sounds like a fair price but get some quotes from other shops in your area, I think you can get a much better price if you shop around.

 

[rocket2ya]

you can get a way better price if you shop around. i had to replace the engine in my 02 mounty and i found an engine at a parts yard with 10k miles on it for 1300. then labor to install it was around 500.

 

[High_Order1]

Wow, with all that all you get is overheating and the occasional light?

No klunk?


Have you considered looking on ebay and searching within a hundred mile radius for an engine, or one of those part finding services?

Get an engine cheap, if that's really what it needs, then take it to a shop.


-Shawn

 

[Berg87]

WTF??? engine going bad with only 100K? I hope this isn't an issue like on the early 4.2v6 in my van.

A friend of mine has a 96 explorer with over 300k original engine and transmission. This is the type of service i expect out of a modern engine.

 

[shadowless127]

4.0 SOHC is know for timing chain issues.

I concur with everyone else, if you shop around you should be able to find a decent used engine for cheap.

Using www.car-part.com I just found a 4.0L from an 03 Ex 4wd with 27K miles on it for $750. I also found another one from an 03 Ex w/ 14K on it for $1000 (and yes, I searched in NC). Those are both basically new motors.

I mean, hell for $6000 you can get another ex with lower miles.