03 XLT V6 Explorer... 156k miles

[timp123]

Perfect, was driving to Toledo Oh yesterday... and at 70 mph... I thought I ran over something... then I thought.. maybe it's a flat... then.. once I got pulled over and could hear what was going on...

Nope, sounds like I've dropped a valve. Idling real rough, Knocking REAL loud.

Just glad I spent prob $800.00 on all the other items to have this happen.



I was able to trailer it home with the help of two good pals that dropped what they were doing and drove the 3 hours to get me..

But, it's going to go back in the shop to find out the extent of damage and to see, if she's toast.. or if she can be saved.

 

[Robsbrd99]

soooo sorry, wonder if the timing chain failed. They could always take your tune up stuff off and put them on whatever engine goes back in.

 

[timp123]

Not much more I can do.. just something that can happen. I didn't even realy get mad... just thought.. "of course"... Most of the money spent was on labor.. not much money will be saved by using those parts.. but I'll try & save what I can.. if thats the route that I have to take.

If its going to take another engine, will have to park it for a while.. no money for that.

 

[timp123]

And..... CUT!

Ok, lets reshoot the scene, except this time I don't spend $800.00 3 weeks ago & I trade her in!

Uhg.. just got the word back, engine is toast, Number 3 cyl.. something drastically went wrong.. possible valve stem came off or something.. punched some holes apparently.. cyclnder full of oil & antifreeze. Weeeee!! She's toast.

Time for another engine. I've found a local place that offers a full 3 year parts & labor warranty, unlimited miles for $1650.00, install another $1200.00 To me, thats the way to go.. I can drive the crap out of her & not have to worry about it. If I do have another engine issue, it'll be taken care of.

Of course, there are other things that can go wrong.. but hey... I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

 

[Robsbrd99]

Let us know how it turns out! Just wanted to make sure the trans. was working perfecty before all this happened. Be a shame to fix it and then have a trans. failure in the near future.

 

[timp123]

Let us know how it turns out! Just wanted to make sure the trans. was working perfecty before all this happened. Be a shame to fix it and then have a trans. failure in the near future.

Oh ya, thats on my mind... trans seems to be fine.. but then, so did the engine.. infact I felt it was going to be really fine being that I'm not hard on them, it's a gamble, thats for sure.

 

[gforceman]

oops wrong section

 

[gforceman]

again oops

 

[timp123]

After 3 months... back on the road.

Ok, 3 months & $3100.00 later I've got a new to me engine installed (it had 74k miles) with a full 3 year parts & labor warranty UNLIMITED miles from date of install. The engine was $1800.00 and $1300.00 for the install which included some new hoses, new water pump etc...

I could have gone alot less with a pick & pay junkyard I'm sure.. but they're typically 90 days/ 90 feet warranty..

Jasper Engines was $4800.00 3 year parts & labor and 100k miles... so to me, this was just a better deal..

The shop that did the install said they've never had to go back in on the engines that they've installed from them...

So, back on the road... seems to run really good and hoping... I don't have any trans issues!

Next plan... DRIVE THE CRAP OUT OF THIS EXPLORER FOR THE NEXT 3 YEARS

(and go ahead & start saving for that trans)

 

[not8taxi]

goodluck...happy your back on the road with it