5.0 V8 1997 Explorer Rebuild?

[DanielB23]

(Long Read)
Hello all, my name is Daniel and as you can see I'm the owner of a 1997 v8 explorer. The car has 186,548 miles. This car used to be my Dads, which he gave to me once he got a new truck and I began driving. Unfortunately for about the past year or two the explorer has been sitting in the driveway, here recently I've began working on it pretty in depth. This is the vehicle that I've basically been learning how to work on cars with. Initially it just had a really bad oil leak, which is what sparked my interest in working on it. I had done a few oil changes and brake pad changes just dipping my toes in the water I guess Lol. But now I've really gotten into basically rebuilding the engine as in depth as I can without actually pulling the engine. I don't have a engine hoist and lack the experience/knowledge. I've removed quite a bit so far such as the throttle body, intake manifold, valve covers and currently removing the headers. My original plan was to just replace the manifold gaskets and change all the fluids in the vehicle, but this explorer just has a lot of issues and I can get a little OCD. It has an exhaust leak and the whole engine bay seems to be covered in some sort of black dust, not sure if it's oil blowback or wear from the serpentine belts, idk. I'm hoping this forum will help me learn a lot and hopefully resurrect the explorer. Anyways, now I'm contemplating removing the heads, replace the head gaskets, and inspect the cylinder walls. What I'm afraid of though is messing with the pushrods and rocker arms and messing with the timing of the engine. I'm willing to take on the challenge, but also just seeking out guidance and advice. I'm sure I could find a way of pulling the engine if necessary, but from what I've read I should be able to do all of these things without pulling the engine, which is my preferred option.

Thank you for your time, I know it's a lot to read. Any replies will be greatly appreciated!
-DB

 

[410Fortune]

Welcome!! Head gaskets install is pretty advanced for a first timer just tinkering around.
It can be done of course, the knowledge is out there and with 190k miles the 97 5.0 likely needs many new gaskets so it is likely a good idea to at least do the timing cover gasket and lower intake. The head gaskets and bolts only really need to be done if there was an issue with them prior.
If you do remove the 97 style exhaust manifolds you should consider replacing them with the 99-01 cast manifold style replacements about $100+

You should have a torch on hand fr tackling stubborn rusted exhaust and water jacket bolts on these engines

Welcome! And good job so far! We love these 5.0 explorers they are very very good vehicles you are smart to save the 97 and learn how to work on it, this can be very rewarding.
Pretty much anything you need to know can be found on this forum and the rest of the internet. Good idea to take notes and gather tools before you dive in

 

[DanielB23]

Welcome!! Head gaskets install is pretty advanced for a first timer just tinkering around.
It can be done of course, the knowledge is out there and with 190k miles the 97 5.0 likely needs many new gaskets so it is likely a good idea to at least do the timing cover gasket and lower intake. The head gaskets and bolts only really need to be done if there was an issue with them prior.
If you do remove the 97 style exhaust manifolds you should consider replacing them with the 99-01 cast manifold style replacements about $100+

You should have a torch on hand fr tackling stubborn rusted exhaust and water jacket bolts on these engines

Welcome! And good job so far! We love these 5.0 explorers they are very very good vehicles you are smart to save the 97 and learn how to work on it, this can be very rewarding.
Pretty much anything you need to know can be found on this forum and the rest of the internet. Good idea to take notes and gather tools before you dive in

Thanks for the reply! I'll look into the timing cover gasket and also getting a torch. PB blaster only gets you so far haha. I'm definitely going to checkout those cast manifold replacements, the stock exhaust manifolds on these 2nd gens look so bizarre like they've got dents in them.

 

[Clutch5sp]

Here's a tip seen somewhere...maybe here. If the truck still runs, go to an exhaust shop and have them loosen the exhaust manifold flange bolts/nuts then semi-tighten them back for you. Exhaust manifold studs that break or remain in the head is an issue you can deal with after they are off the block. I would have paid up to $50 to have had this done before tearing into my project. YES...I tried to get them loose first thing and couldn't. A torch and many other justifiable items are in the future when my shop is gets dry'd in and able to lock up everything.