Was thinking about buying another Explorer but I had a SOHC before and I was thinking of getting one that happens to be OHV and was wondering what is the biggest difference between the two? Is one easier to work on? Is one more reliable?
@Chef Sharkos
What
@410Fortune said and I'll add the following.
1st off - we used to have a Chef Duane that actively participated on the 2nd Gen Forum for years - dunno where he is now- regardless; welcome to the forum and it's good to have another Chef!
OK - with that said; All the 2nd Generation vehicles are now 20+ years old and most in the 200,000+ mile range; thus you will be wrenching & spending money on it just like any 20 year old, 200,000 mile vehicle...
Most repair & maintenance parts are well available & pretty reasonable, and problems & repairs are well documented.
Common issues with the OHV are:
* Replacing a leaking Timing Cover Gasket.
* Replacing Cracked Heads.
* Valvetrain Noise: There are many complaints of valvetrain noise. Bugs some guys so much that they replace all of the rocker arms BUT a short time later the noise begins to come back. It's the nature of the beast with the way the top end is oiled.
* At 200,000 I had to replace the (3) O-Rings that are within the machined assembly on the side of the engine block that you attach your oil filter to.
* Leaking Valve Cover Gaskets: The valve covers are VERY HEAVY stamped German steel , and only (6) very small diameter and short length metric bolts attempt to hold the valve covers down.
To finally put an end to valve cover leaks, I recently made studs out of metric all thread along with large washers and nylock nuts.
Overall - the OHV can hit 400,00 if maintained.
When I read all the nightmares in the 6th Gen Forum - it's makes me love my 2nd Gen Ex even more.
This forum is THE brain trust for the vehicle so you've already scored one goal - you're at the right place
In closing, the BEST 2nd Gens are those that have 5 Speed Manual Transmissions.
You'll be the envy of every passenger that enters your cabin and witness' you perform the "lost art" as you row through the gears and the torque pulls them back into their seat.
HTH -
