Any luck with fordparts.com?

[PAExplorerXLT]

May be I am expecting too much but when I go to a factory parts site I expect to find EVERY part that has ever been used in Explorers. Not the case. I am looking for the 4 screws that hold down the plastic engine cover. I can't even find the engine cover itself. I must not be looking under the right name.

 

[rb142]

There are MANY parts that do not show up in that system, but will show up in the dealer's catalog system. For some reason, they are only showing a subset of parts to the general public. For other things, you will have to talk to a dealer parts department (or find them somewhere else).

 

[swshawaii]

Although there is no law or time frame requiring automakers to manufacture OEM parts, the rule of thumb is 10 years after model production ends. Most common cases are body parts, panels, and interior coverings. Unless available aftermarket, salvage yards or sellers such as Ebay may be your only options. As for the engine cover screws, are they special or available at a hardware store?

http://www.autonews.com/article/20131102/OEM10/311049982/factory-parts-for-an-older-car?-good-luck

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

Although there is no law or time frame requiring automakers to manufacture OEM parts, the rule of thumb is 10 years after model production ends. Most common cases are body parts, panels, and interior coverings. Unless available aftermarket, salvage yards or sellers such as Ebay may be your only options. As for the engine cover screws, are they special or available at a hardware store?

http://www.autonews.com/article/20131102/OEM10/311049982/factory-parts-for-an-older-car?-good-luck

I have looked. You could pick something out of their bins but they don't have that "automotive" look. They look like sheet metal screws that they actually are. Since they screw into plastic you don't want to take chances with the threads either. There might other places that do sell automotive hardware.

 

[swshawaii]

Check Fastenal or Dorman/Help. GL

 

[lobo411]

I've bought from them. Fast, cheap, and exactly what I needed.

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/

 

[rb142]

+1. If clipsandfasteners doesn't have it, you probably won't find it anywhere. You may very well find something in the Dorman Help line. It's hard to find something with the right threads and the right head. A parts yard may well be the easiest way.

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

I have checked both sources. Problem is they don't list by year and model or where they are used. You have to know the size you want and that is not always easy to know. The other problem is that the plastic threads are worn and one of the screws twists. I am thinking of filling it up then drilling a new hole. Not sure what the best filler is.

 

[lobo411]

I have checked both sources. Problem is they don't list by year and model or where they are used. You have to know the size you want and that is not always easy to know. The other problem is that the plastic threads are worn and one of the screws twists. I am thinking of filling it up then drilling a new hole. Not sure what the best filler is.

A hardware store can probably help you figure out exactly what bolt you need. Also, Heli-Coil makes a thread repair kit for plastics.