98 Ford Explorer 4.0L Sohc Making Popping Noise & Clunking Too

[robcarratello]

My dad just got a seemingly screaming deal on a 98 Explorer Eddie Bauer. Odometer says 288k miles. I don't know if it's the original engine / drive train or not.

10th letter of VIN # is W. It is making both the popping noise @ ~ 2-3k rpm. As well as clunking upon take off, and when going up a grade. I can vary them both with my driving style, and I try to as much as possible.

He is elderly, and on a very fixed income. Quick fix for the clunk seems to be removing the front driveshaft. Is this highly inadvisable? Do the pros out weigh the cons?

Is there a quick/ easy fix for the popping noise, which after searching is most likely cam shaft tensioner; correct? From what I can tell, this was a factory recall. Will Ford still fix this for free? Did they ever fix it for free? Again can I, as a decent domestic mechanic do something to help him out?

Any and all info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Rob

 

[2000StreetRod]

how good a deal?

A 1998 Explorer with 288K miles and timing chain problems is worth about $800 if the body and interior is in good condition.

The 10th character (W) in the VIN is the year (1998). The 8th character is the engine. It should be E for a SOHC V6.

There are 4 different timing chains in a 4WD SOHC V6. If the right cassette is broken the engine must be pulled (preferred) or the transmission must be pulled to replace the cassette. If you have to pay a mechanic to do the work the cost will exceed the value of the vehicle after being repaired.

The factory recall for the timing chain failure on the 1998 model expired many years ago.

Removing the front drive shaft makes the vehicle dependent on the emergency brake to keep from moving when in Park. Not a good idea from a safety point.

 

[robcarratello]

The issues at hand were not known at time of purchase, to me anyways. Especially when you consider the severity of such issues. The body and interior are in excellent shape however.

Removing the front driveshaft is dangerous, for lack of staying put. What exactly fixes that horrendous clunking sound? What are the repercussions of not fixing it?

Anyway to pinpoint exactly which tensioner has the problem?

That popping noise sound like super bad detonation kinda correct?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Timing chain rattle resolution process - SOHC V6

Timing chain rattle resolution process - SOHC V6

 

[fortion]

if cars interior and condition is good then good about noises take a mechanic with you he will tell you better...

 

[robcarratello]

Car showed up at the house one day after I got home from work. I simply knew year, make, model& $$$ agreed of time. Thanks for the link above brother.