Advice on used engine purchase, install

[DunninLA]

Hey everyone,

Well, I helped purchase a used Explorer, 2004 with 4.0 liter engine with 129,000 miles, and failed to notice the engine knock... I don't know, I think I thought it was the muffler.

Anyway, got it home, and said Oh SH$t, I think it's the dreaded timing chain issue. Took it to Galpin Ford near work, and the main engine block guy there said... "it's a bad rod" and said they only thing they can recommend is a new engine from Ford... $7,500 installed. Then he asked how far I needed to drive to get home. Double SH$t.

I've been to another mechanic at the 76 Station who tunes my cars who confirmed the rod knock (plus some timing chain noise), and now after about 400 more miles and eight weeks later, the knock is much, much, much louder... embarrassingly loud at all rpms under load at any rpm, and even irritating at idle. Like a really loud diesel truck. The "Check Engine Soon" light has also been on for the past 100 miles.

So, I've located a couple of motors from cross country under 90,000 miles compression tested and with Carfax, for about $1,800 delivered, and need to know who in LA, other than an expensive shop, can drop the motor in. I'm hoping I'm looking at around $800-$900, cuz if not, I'm not sure I should move forward. I'd preferably like someone with the Ford timing chain tool, in case the replacement engine also needs the timing chain cassette replaced at the same time.

Oh, if anyone has anything good or bad to say about the locator service, called Low Mileage Engines, LLC in Tennessee, feel free to PM me.

Thanks in advance for your advice. Everything else about the truck... paint, interior, wheels, running boards, transmission, etc. is really nice, so it's worth fixing.

 

[DunninLA]

OK, the truck died today -- so if anyone knows of a mechanic in Socal that can drop in a new engine... please PM me. thanks.

 

[RickM]

Dunn: I sourced a 65k mile engine with the same documentation through Car-Part.com. My 8cyl was one year specific so I had less to choose from. Cost was $1100 or $1200 shipped. Most sellers on the site will negotiate.

I found a very competent tech to install the engine through Craigslist. Look for an experienced mechanic looking for side work. Turns out the guy who contacted me was between jobs. It worked out great. As always do your best to vet the individual beforehand.

This was my first add, before I found the engine:

*** Wanted: 2002 Ford Explorer 4.6 Engine and/or Installation ***

In search of a 2002 Ford Explorer 4.6L Engine (Aluminum Block - W Vin). This motor is pretty much specific to the year, however a Mountaineer engine may be suitable as well.

Let me know what you have and miles, condition, price etc. I prefer to see a low mile engine running in the vehicle if possible.

If you are capable of the engine swap let me know as well.

Scammers dont waste your time as I'm well versed in auto mechanics but don't have the time to facilitate this project.

Thanks

 

[joecrna]

Did you include Mustang engines in your search? $1800 for 90k mile engine seems a bit high. $1000 to install seems about right. A SOHC V6 after 04 (I believe) should have the upgrade Timing chain guides etc but those still aren't all that good.