Documentation and Diagnosis. Learning to do it right.

[MyExplorer03v8Lim]

Hi Explorer people

I'm about to dive into a monumental engine restoration project on an 03 Explorer.

I'm looking for documentation sources from Ford, if anything like that exists. I've found the red service manuals on eBay but 99% of them are very damaged.

Is there a way to get them new? Is there a free or pay to use online resource?

I want to tear down my engine bay to clean up and restore or replace as much as I can. But I'll do it methodically, first to diagnose and repair a vacuum leak and rough idle.

I'd love to get some really good detailed information on correct routing of hoses, vac lines, and wiring etc.

I'm willing to pay, but the budget isn't limitless.

 

[MyExplorer03v8Lim]

Not really relevant to the question, but for the sake of conversation, I forgot to mention:

4.6L v8 AWD Limited
Engine swapped in from equivalent junkyard mountaineer. 156k on frame/ 80k on engine.

 

[swshawaii]

2003 Explorer And Mountaineer Workshop Manual - Helm Incorporated