1999 EXP V6 SOHC w/cam shaft/ten. advice

[tman1175]

I have a 1999 Explorer EB w/135,000 miles on it. I have a cluttering noise coming from the front and rear of the engine. Noise has gotten progressively louder. I was told the cam shaft tensioners, timing guide assemblys, etc. need to be replaced. Don't ask why but I didn't get them replaced when the recall came out. I took it to a dealer for an estimate only and he said it would cost me $4,000 (what does it cost to fix non-dealer?) to fix and based on mileage and age, not worth fixing. I'm not a DIY so it's not an option. I also need to replace the rear brakes. Blue book private sale has it at $4,800 for minor mechanical repairs. I'll assume that mine is major. Since I'm not going to repair it based on the estimated cost, what do you guys think it's worth as is. The car still drives fine but it does make a loud cluttering noise which should scare off potential buyers. Ideally I would like to sell it otherwise I'll drive it until the engine dies. I appreciate your advise.

 

[Elessar65]

you could always part it out.

 

[Mirge]

I have a 1999 Explorer EB w/135,000 miles on it. I have a cluttering noise coming from the front and rear of the engine. Noise has gotten progressively louder. I was told the cam shaft tensioners, timing guide assemblys, etc. need to be replaced. Don't ask why but I didn't get them replaced when the recall came out. I took it to a dealer for an estimate only and he said it would cost me $4,000 (what does it cost to fix non-dealer?) to fix and based on mileage and age, not worth fixing. I'm not a DIY so it's not an option. I also need to replace the rear brakes. Blue book private sale has it at $4,800 for minor mechanical repairs. I'll assume that mine is major. Since I'm not going to repair it based on the estimated cost, what do you guys think it's worth as is. The car still drives fine but it does make a loud cluttering noise which should scare off potential buyers. Ideally I would like to sell it otherwise I'll drive it until the engine dies. I appreciate your advise.

4.0L SOHC... $4,000 to fix it? Sounds way too high to me. Just had my '98 Explorer EB 4.0L SOHC motor completely rebuilt for $2,700. I pick it up this afternoon in fact. Was told the cam tensioner was garbage (replaced), and something with timing chain(s) was also garbage (replaced)... few other things. Had it rebuilt because a diff. mechanic dropped a bolt in the motor... but I guess it wasn't all bad.

Then again, you did go to a stealership for a quote... I'd get a second (or third) opinion.

 

[marragtop]

Most garages should be able to give you a ball park estimate on having the chains, guides, and tensioners replaced. I suspect somewhere in the 2000-2500 price range. If you continue to drive it and the chain breaks, you may then be looking at some much more serious engine work.

 

[my98nnj]

You can easily swap the motor for at least 1/2 of what they want to fix it.