02 Explorer Limited Ed. V8 HELP!!!!!

[tadeuszwajler]

Hello everyone, my name is Tadeusz Wajler, and I own a 2002 Ford Explorer Limited Edition with the 4.6 V8. I have a serious problem with the engine. Everytime I start it, it idles extremely rough, and the catalytic converter glows cherry red hot. The exhaust fumes are also extremely hot and fire is shooting out of the exhaust. It smells like it is burning very rich too. Im at my wits end, ive tried so many forums and sources. If anyone can help me, Id appreciate it greatly! Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

[name420420]

on assumption if the Cat is red like you say. probly clogged. as far as shooting Fire I am stumped.

 

[Mr Dubya]

Don't people usually pay extra for fire to shoot out the back?

My hunch points to the catalytic converter.


-Dubya

 

[tadeuszwajler]

I also thought it could be the cat, and im currently in the process to remove it. But could it also be the timing? It struggles to idle, and barely reaches 4000 rpm. My truck does not have a rev limited either. The engine is jumping around on the mounts and there is a noise, cant say its a knocking noise, but its coming from the front of the block, right behind the pulleys. This sorta leads me to believe it could be the timing also. Can anyone tell me how to know if its out of time. Without the painful process of removing everything up front? Many thanks!!!!!!! Tadeusz Wajler

 

[name420420]

well the noise could possible be the timing. broken guide's/dead tensioner's. I once worked on a truck that had clogged cat and same as u explained. (except the flame's). wouldn't rev past 3000 and studderd etc. and to check the timing you could always make sure #1 piston is TDC and pull valve cover's look at timing mark's.(this would also show u if your Guide's/Tensioner's are shot). if the guide is broken like most do then you will deff see it with the valve cover off.