2005 Explorer Questions

[Wildtrout]

Hello,

I have recently acquired a 2005 Ford Explorer XLS with 73,000. It is a very clean rig. However, I noticed that there is a transmission fluid leak coming from the front pump. It is not excess, but it is leaking all the same.

It also appears that there may be coolant seepage between the block and the head on the rear driver's side. In addition, the timing belt may be making noise.

I am a little surprised that a vehicle with low mileage would have these problems. Is it worth it to fix the vehicle or is it better to get rid of it.

 

[Number4]

How much did you pay for it?

 

[Reprise]

Also ask yourself how much it would cost to do those things (either yourself or a mechanic), how long you plan to retain the vehicle, and what it would cost to replace the vehicle, if you needed another of the same type.

On your transmission issue - do you mean the front differential, or perhaps the transfer case? If so - those can be replaced. Or you can 'convert' to 2wd, if you don't need that capability. You could probably do both of those, if you're handy with tools (e.g.; I might try them myself).

The coolant seepage - that sounds like perhaps a head gasket issue, if you're lucky. Don't know if I'd tear down half my engine on my own, but I'd get it addressed if you plan on keeping the vehicle.

On the timing chain issue - guessing you've got the 4.0L V6 - and if you read on here, some folks will tell you it's a matter of time before every single 4.0L in existence will develop that issue. What makes the matters worse is that the 4.0 has 3 timing chains - one in the back, which is almost impossible to replace without removing the engine as an assembly. But if your noise is coming from the front, there are kits available to replace the assembly, and some people here have done it themselves.

 

[Wildtrout]

How much did you pay for it?

I paid $4,000 for it.

 

[Wildtrout]

Also ask yourself how much it would cost to do those things (either yourself or a mechanic), how long you plan to retain the vehicle, and what it would cost to replace the vehicle, if you needed another of the same type.

On your transmission issue - do you mean the front differential, or perhaps the transfer case? If so - those can be replaced. Or you can 'convert' to 2wd, if you don't need that capability. You could probably do both of those, if you're handy with tools (e.g.; I might try them myself).

The coolant seepage - that sounds like perhaps a head gasket issue, if you're lucky. Don't know if I'd tear down half my engine on my own, but I'd get it addressed if you plan on keeping the vehicle.

On the timing chain issue - guessing you've got the 4.0L V6 - and if you read on here, some folks will tell you it's a matter of time before every single 4.0L in existence will develop that issue. What makes the matters worse is that the 4.0 has 3 timing chains - one in the back, which is almost impossible to replace without removing the engine as an assembly. But if your noise is coming from the front, there are kits available to replace the assembly, and some people here have done it themselves.

Hi Reprise,

The transmission leak is between the engine and transmission.

The engine is a 4.0L. It appears to be leaking from the head gasket. That worries me because of the aluminum heads. What happens if the heads are warped?

I like the rig, but I expected a little better quality. A similar rig will close to $12,000 to 15,000 and I am trying to avoid that.

 

[Number4]

So, it's worth about $6-6.5k.
So you could put $2-2.5k in and still be okay.