2000 OHV -- Questions about engine problems

[bluevolume]

I've got a 2000 XLS, with the OHV engine. I bought this vehicle used, and have no idea how it was treated or how well it was taken care of. It had a problem with hard shifting, and after 2 weeks in the shop I've got a brand new tranny that shifts like a dream (covered by warranty thank god). But now that the transmission is solid, I'm noticing some engine problems.

First off, it is NOISY! When it is idling, in park, there is this tick noise, that seems to be coming from the bottom of the engine. When I first start it, before the oil pressure comes up, it sounds like it is going to fly apart -- like a friggen diesel or something.

This is my 3rd Explorer, and have never really worried about engine power till now. The truck won't get out of its own way when you're at highway speeds. I can floor it and it won't even downshift, just accelerates slowly. Add to this that I'm getting about 14-15 MPG, and my driving is 90% highway, very little in-town driving.

The engine doesn't smoke, and doesn't seem to be burning any oil. I've asked the dealer to look at it twice, and they say the engine is fine. Normally I would just disregard their opinion, but they were great about getting me the new tranny -- I know they have been honest so far.

So at this point I'm saying HELP! What is going on with this engine? Are these things normal? I used to be a pretty good mechanic, but I haven't ever worked on anything this new. Anything you guys can tell me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Blue

 

[prybylo]

I have the same engine. It's noisy but I don't think abnormally so. Acceleration is quite good. I noticed though that it runs much better with 89 octane. When I was using regular I would get a hesitation and some slight knocking on the highway if I floored it (particularly if I was towing my pop-up).

My gas milage is around 16, so not a lot better than what you describe. I just fixed the thermostat so I hope I might get a slight improvement.

Don't really have any answers for the problems you describe.

 

[Alec]

Since you don't know about maintenance, it might be a good idea to just do some engine maintenance now. If the truck has close to 60k miles or above it's time for plugs and plug wires. If it has anything over than 40k you might as well do them anyway, might help.

Clean your MAS.
Change the coolant.
Maybe change the thermostat if it doesn't seem to run at an ok temp.
Go ahead and reset the computer.

And just make sure everything is good and proper (seems like you already did that).

The noise is probably lifter tick. This is normal and some OHVs are much louder than others. However, if the motor was really ill maintained then you may have some scarring of some components.

If the truck continues to run bad, try 89 octane. I usually don't advocate higher octane gas if you don't have a chip, but see if it helps. Don't go to premium though.

Oh, run some fuel injector cleaner through the fuel system, or get the injectors professionally cleaned.
Fuel filter?
Fuel pressure regulator?

So how many miles does it have?

 

[JDraper]

That does not sound like it's running right at all. I don't have the answer's off the top of my head, but, since you've got a lot of noise, I'd 1st make sure you have good oil pressure. Hook a mechanical gauge up or have the garage check it. The gauge on the dash is really an idiot light, not a true oil pressure gauge. Low oil pressure can cause the lifters to be really noisy.

I'd also have them look into the lower intake manifold possibly being loose. Also pull the plugs and check the condition. Bad plugs can make the truck run like crap.

 

[bluevolume]

Originally posted by Alec
Since you don't know about maintenance, it might be a good idea to just do some engine maintenance now. If the truck has close to 60k miles or above it's time for

Clean your MAS.
Change the coolant.
Maybe change the thermostat if it doesn't seem to run at an ok temp.
Go ahead and reset the computer.

And just make sure everything is good and proper (seems like you already did that).

The noise is probably lifter tick. This is normal and some OHVs are much louder than others. However, if the motor was really ill maintained then you may have some scarring of some components.

If the truck continues to run bad, try 89 octane. I usually don't advocate higher octane gas if you don't have a chip, but see if it helps. Don't go to premium though.

Oh, run some fuel injector cleaner through the fuel system, or get the injectors professionally cleaned.
Fuel filter?
Fuel pressure regulator?

So how many miles does it have?

It has about 65K on it, a lot of miles for a 2000 in my mind. Carfax showed nothing out of the ordinary, and it wasn't a rental or fleet. I have run a couple bottles of good fuel injector cleaner through, haven't checked the plugs or wires yet.

From you suggestions: How do I reset the computer? Just pull the battery for 15 mins? Is cleaning the MAS the same as it was on my '95? Do I need that split tool to change the fuel filter?

If it will help anyone, I can make an mp3 of what the engine sounds like. Especially that tick sound -- maybe someone you will recognize it, or say it is out of whack.

Also, I'm thinking about checking the compression. What kind of reading should I be looking for with 65K on that engine?

I REALLY appreciate the help here.

Regards,
Blue

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I changed the fuel filter on my 97 in around 20 min. Not hard at all. Go to Autozone or wherever and get the correct filter, as well as "Fuel Line and Air conditioning Disconnect Tools" they are little plastic collers with a split, so you can slip them into the quick connects. The fuel filter is on the driver's side, inside the frame rail, near the tranny.

To reset the computer, just unplug the neg bat cable for 15 min, then put it back, and turn on the truck. let it idle for a little bit, then drive it normally. Not hard, not babied.

There is a thread in the "Usefull Threads" forum about cleaning the MAS. Its very simple, you need "Security Torx" bits, but can get those anywhere. Use Denatured alcohol, buy it at Home Depot.

There are chemicals that clean the oil system, BG chemicals makes excellent ones, though they are VERY tough to find. You basically add them, run the engine for about 10 min, then drain the oil and refill. Make sure you are using a GOOD oil filter. Motorcraft, Mobil 1, purolator PureOne are all good ones.

Check those plugs too!

 

[Alec]

Definately start with the plugs and wires then and clean the MAS, yes it's the same. For plugs and wires I recommend Motorcraft double platinum replacements, no need for fancy ones and the Motorcrafts are very reliable. After that go ahead and replace the fuel filter, flush the coolant, and replace the tstat and radiator cap. Also get a full tranny service including full flush and filter change. Add an aux tranny cooler if you don't have one.

I'm just listing stuff that you should do to any 60k+ X if you don't know the history.

 

[bluevolume]

OK -- I checked my plugs today, and they look to be fine other than being worn out (I just mean that they aren't burnt or anything, just tired). I'll definately replace them this week. Any place online to get a good deal? I can get the Champion double-platinum's for $4 ea. locally.

Another thing that I found, and this is quite strange. The gas pedal felt out of place to me, much further to the floor than the brake pedal was. So I reached down there and gave it 3 or 4 good pulls back, and it did move and stay out. I was surprised that I was able to bend it -- aren't these things made from hardened steel? Maybe something else bent. Anyway, the throttle response is FAR better now, and when I put it to the floor, it downshifts and takes off.

I'm still investigating that ticking sound. If I get around to recording the sound I'll post it in a new thread.

Thanks,
Blue

 

[Alec]

Try fordpartsnetwork.com for Motorcraft plugs and wires.

Sounds like what you did with the pedal was tighten the throttle cable. Do a search for "throttle cable mod" and you'll see what I mean.

 

[TPLYNCH]

The OHV from '98-'00 have a "marbles in a tin can" noise. Very common. Mine has had it since day one. The Ford explanation is that the Wrist Pins were redesigned in '98 for better emissions. Problem was, they made a ton of noise at idle. According to Ford, there is no harm to the engine (although there were people, esp. Ranger owners who got their engines replaced after *****ing enough.) I have 90K+ on mine and don't seem to have any problems, and get ~17-19mpg. Mine has actually been quieter lately in the very cold NE w/ 10w30 in it....