Engine compatibility question

[mnonnenmann]

I have a 98 with a bad motor. I think I threw a rod but Im not sure. Its will still turn on but will shake very violently and will not idle on its own. But anyway I was wondering if anyone could tell me if a 1997 explorer engine will fit on my 98. Both vehicles have the 4.0 v6. Any help would be greatly appreciated plus if anyone could let me know if this is something i could possibly do myself. i am very mechanically inclined and know a thing or two about cars. Just never attempted an engine swap myself.Thanks for the time and space.

Matt Nonnenmann

 

[87vert]

does it make any weird noises? usually when you "throw a rod" it exits out the oil pan. If it wont idle and shakes like that its usually a timing/fuel problem. Have you had anyone look at the truck to see if its something else before jumping to a motor swap?

 

[Mbrooks420]

It depends on if they are both the same type of motor. SOHC or OHV. There are some design changes between 97 and 98 like the returnless fuel line system in the 98. The starters and a few other things are different as well.

 

[ma96782]

You might wanna check this:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/40rebuild.htm

Aloha, Mark

 

[vanionBB]

It almost sounds like your crankshaft position sensor is disconnected. Mine shuddered violently, and wouldnt stay running and I found out it was the sensor wire was disconnected. Maybe double check that wire, you can see it from under the truck, right in front.

YOU KNOW when you throw a rod, its not a matter of guessing, throwing a rod is huge, can push a hole thru the side of your engine, or down your oil pan. You would be leaking all sorts of fluids everywhere... Also the noise and clatter, no you probably havent thrown a rod, LOL.

CHECK THAT SENSOR WIRE FIRST!

 

[vanionBB]

Previous to throwing a rod, you will experience a knocking sensation getting louder and louder until the rod breaks and flies out the side of your engine, or the oil pan. With a thrown rod you may not be able to turn it over, and if you do it will just throw more metal everywhere.

Also you would know if a rod was broken because that piston would have ZERO compression, LOL...

 

[mnonnenmann]

Well lets put it this way. i know i threw a rod when i can pour oil into the engine and it ends up on the ground...lol so i am pretty sure that is my problem. I appreciate everyones input but im still not sure that my question has been answered. I am sure there are a few things that need to be changed but i just want to know if its possible.