1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[CDW6212R]

My thumbs work well to feel that seam of the oil pan and cover. I remember helping a friend put together his old 351W and the cover didn't line up. He had the engine apart for many months and those dowels were out during his long cleaning. I saw it before we had fully tightened the bolts, so we loosened them and moved the cover to where it needed to be. Boy that was a long tine ago, the mid 80's.

 

[SuperGordo]

Popped the valve covers off today. Clean as a whistle under there. Hoping to get the valve seals replaced tomorrow. Let's see how it all goes.

 

[SuperGordo]

 

[SuperGordo]

Got all the valve seals replaced tonight. Not as bad as the original engine, but they were bad enough that i know they’ll be an improvement

 

[410Fortune]

Big improvement!

Did you use the install condom? I like to remove the spring, oil and press the seal and then re install the spring just to make sure the seal does not get torn when installing on the valve stem

 

[SuperGordo]

Big improvement!

Did you use the install condom? I like to remove the spring, oil and press the seal and then re install the spring just to make sure the seal does not get torn when installing on the valve stem

haha, yeah I used the condom! Safe sealing!! Lots of lube too!

 

[SuperGordo]

Hoping that by the end of the coming weekend I have all the engine prep done and I can schedule the motor swap and trans rebuild into my schedule. Need this all done before the end of the year.

 

[SuperGordo]

Torqued the rocker arms tonight. Installed valve covers and torqued those too. Next is timing cover and water pump, then oil pan and intake. Getting closer.

 

[SuperGordo]

My oldest son came over tonight and helped get the timing cover, water pump, oil pump, oil pan and intake on. Nice progress.

 

[SuperGordo]

Short of installing the exhaust manifolds. It's about ready to be installed.

 

[SuperGordo]

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.
I have the Ex at my house now. Hopefully have the engine out this week.

 

[SuperGordo]

Funny how life and time work. Back in 2021 I was really able to push on the original part of the project. Now I'm trying to steal minutes from everywhere to get it back on the road.

 

[SuperGordo]

Hoping that by the end of the coming weekend I have all the engine prep done and I can schedule the motor swap and trans rebuild into my schedule. Need this all done before the end of the year.

Clearly didn't make the end of the year!

 

[SuperGordo]

Trying to get the engine and transmission out this weekend. Drained the trans fluid and dropped the drive shaft today. I was surprised to find the original dipstick tube plug in the pan. Could this transmission actually have 280,000 miles on it? Hard to believe. Pr maybe someone fluid swapped at a lube shop but never dropped the pan. Hmmm…

 

[Mbrooks420]

They’re pretty stout. I plowed heavy with my first Mounty, and ran the trans dry enough it wouldn’t move, twice. At 210k it still shifted fine.

 

[410Fortune]

We see them with 250-300k on them often
Good time for a rebuild when everything is still working

 

[SuperGordo]

We see them with 250-300k on them often
Good time for a rebuild when everything is still working

I'm gonna overhaul it while it is out. I want to get this back on the road and keep it there.

 

[SuperGordo]

Gonna send the driveshaft in for new u joints and a balance too.
Up to this point the only thing I haven't touched is the transmission and the driveshaft. Already did every damn other thing.

 

[SuperGordo]

Im almost ready to pull this engine.
Question for the 5.0 guys who have done engine pulls. Any concerns with the right side exhaust manifold hitting the AC box? Any tips or tricks I should know?

 

[410Fortune]

Nope no concerns the engine will pull right up and out of there. It is tight, but she fits as long as you are careful. You can pull a 5.0 with both exhaust manifolds in place no problem, I do it all the time (I have pulled 100 of these)