Help!Mechanic says Replace Manifold Gaskets

[baywolfblu]

I just bought a 2000 Ford Explorer with approx 200,000 km (I'm in Canada), 4L OHV engine, 4wd. I love this vehicle. It was getting good gas mileage for my around-town and occasional 2 hour trips. Although it is quite cold here in Ontario (down to -11C some nights) I plug it in before starting, it had an oil change and is 1/2 way through the oil use period according to the computer, and hasn't needed any extra oil. Gradually the mileage has worsened and now the check engine light is on.

My mechanic thought maybe a leak in a vacuum hose, but has put it in the shopp to do a "smoke test" and says that the lower manifold gasket is letting air in.

He says he contacted Ford about parts and they have had a bit of an issue with this - he asks if I noticed a rattle in the engine when starting it when it is cold, which I have not, but maybe wouldn't hear due to inexperience. The Ford dealer told him they have a kit which includes the manifold gasket and something else about a timing chain "extender". Sorry not clear on this.

Anyhow, it is $120.00 for the kit, plus 3 to 4 hours shop time, plus taxes which is going to add up to a healthy bill. Don't know if I have any alternative, but does anyone have any suggestions here before I bottom out my wallet and tell him go ahead?

 

[jrowe6]

are you capable of doing the work yourself?

 

[ranger7ltr]

I believe they are referring to the SOHC engine...

Not the OHV which you have...I can't say that the OHV timing chain would not rattle if it were loose but the engine would run like crap, if at all...

The lower intake manifold leaking is a distinct possibility...It is not that labor intensive but the gaskets are not dirt cheap either...Gaskets for the lower intake run about $40-50 at the local parts store and the dealership will be more...Valve cover gaskets, which you WILL need to replace, are about $10 bucks cheaper...I recommend the neoprene, not cork, gaskets for the valve covers...

And the cooling system will need to be drained so you don't get coolant in the oil... But change the oil as well while you are doing the lower intake...

I know you took the truck to a mechanic but if you are a bit mechanically inclined you could change the lower gasket yourself...

 

[Turdle]

Oh
4.0 OHV does indeed have a timing chain tensioner FYI

 

[KPSquared]

$120 for the kit, spend the equivalent of the labor bill on wrenches, start reading and do it your self. You'll be ahead in the long run. An Ex with 200,000 is not the vehicle to have if you can't twist a wrench on your own. Spend lots of time on here and learn all that you can...you're gonna need it.

 

[baywolfblu]

Thank you all - I would love to do these things myself; as a farm wife I probably should know more; the guys could fix it but are too busy....it is cold out there baby!

Are there concurrent issues with this machine I should be looking out for?.