How to know if '99 explore jumped time

[mgilker]

So I have a 99 explorer that I think MAY have jumped time. It still runs, but like crap and severely lacks power. It sounds kind of as if it's missing which is why I'm thinking timing. The problem started while going down the highway, was going about 60 then the engine just basically lost pretty much all power, I was able to limp home, but had to give alot of petal to keep the rpms up and from stalling, because without giving alot of gas it stalls out. The engine had been making alot of noise prior to messing up and was on my way back from a trip when it gave out. Any help or advice or idea would be helpful, don't really want to tear the engine apart till I have a good idea of the problem..

 

[koda2000]

It sounds like it's jumped time. A compression test of all cylinders may give you a better idea, but tearing the engine down is most likely no longer an option. The fact that it was very noisy before it started running like crap is a pretty good indication that the timing chain has jumped. Even if it wasn't too late to repair it, the engine has to come out of the truck to replace the timing chain components and it's a very labor intensive job.

You could look for a newer low mileage used engine, or a re-manufactured engine, but they don't come cheap and if it's a used engine there's no guaranty it's any good. Your money and time may better be spend looking for a newer vehicle.