Just "inherited" 94 Ford Explorer is a mess

[josephw000]

Hey fellas, fantastic site you all have here. I have just acquired myself a 94
Ford Explorer Limited and it's in rough shape. Rust everywhere eating through the metal and everything. Huge gaping hole in the arm-rest.

In terms of mechanical info I just got the oil changed and a new air filter put in but the car chugs to get accelerated and is useless on hills. It also takes forever and a day to warm the engine up. The RPM's also drop before they increase whenever I step on the accelerator which makes the car chunk a little and just feel like there's no power. Now I've started noticing the car smells like gas a lot whenever I get out of the vehicle.

I'd like to keep this car long term and use it to tow maybe some jet skis or other gear in the future or like a getaway vehicle but I just feel like there's no way this thing could do anything right now.

Where can I start fellas? I am so used to owning brand new cars with full warranties and everything. This is all new to me and I have no idea what to do. I'd like to stay practical and do as much as I can myself or atleast not get screwed when I take it in to get anything repaired.

I appreciate all the input and I'll get some pictures up to show where I'm starting and as we make improvements.

Thanks everyone.

 

[GuardianSport]

Might want to check your transmission. Take the Ex into a shop and have it checked for codes and read back to you, determine how much you are looking to reasonably spend to get this vehicle in tip top shape. Explorers are tough, robust machines but abuse can wear out even the best of them. My personal advice is to hold on to it and get the powertrain running perfectly before making any aspirations towards bodywork, as bodywork will look good, it won't solve a faulty transmission or blown head-gasket.

 

[Rick]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've got quite the project.

Check your vacuum hoses. Bad, or disconnected hoses could be causing problems including drivability, and fuel smell if the evap canister isn't working properly. On my '93 the big vacuum line going to my power brake booster had a big hole on the underside of it. Couldn't see it at all until I disconnected it from the booster.

 

[josephw000]

Thanks guys,

Can I swing by autozone and have them test it for the codes or do I need to take it to a shop? I'd rather know what I got before taking it in and listening to their babble if possible...

 

[josephw000]

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've got quite the project.

Check your vacuum hoses. Bad, or disconnected hoses could be causing problems including drivability, and fuel smell if the evap canister isn't working properly. On my '93 the big vacuum line going to my power brake booster had a big hole on the underside of it. Couldn't see it at all until I disconnected it from the booster.

I'll have my father in law check that. I wouldn't even know where to start.

Speaking of brakes mine seem a bit wishy washy and my parking brake doesn't work at all. As a matter of fact I used to think the thing was always engaged and that's why I was running so chuggish.

 

[Roadrunner777]

I suppose I would start with checking spark plugs and wires. They are probably due to be replaced anyway, and it's the one basic maintenance step you have not done yet, other than a fuel filter, which I don't think is your issue right now anyway. Plugs and wires are possible do-it-yourself, but some of the plugs are hard to get to. There are threads on changing spark plugs.

There's a line of troubleshooting that should be done, and it is far too early to suggest a specific part to replace.

But... there is a problem that comes up from time to time that matches this pretty good. There is a part called a fuel pressure regulator. If you see a small braided steel line coming out the top front of the engine, that's the top of the regulator. There is also a vacuum line going to the base of it. You may be able to trace that hose around the back of the valve cover and to the vacuum port. The point of the vacuum line is to 'fine-tune' the fuel pressure. Basically, it sucks on a diaphragm in the regulator and moves it back and forth.

Sometimes, the diaphragm can start leaking, and there's fuel on the other side of it, so now the vacuum line starts drinking gas instead of pulling on the diaphragm. This causes lousy performance, flooding, and gas smell because it is dumping raw gas into the intake manifold.

Find that vacuum line and see if it is full of gas. If so, you need a new fuel regulator.

Don't just have it replaced on my advice, it is just one of many possibilities, and regulators are not cheap.

Gooood Luck!

 

[Kamel]

i get a sneaking suspicion your lack of power might be due to a clogged cat. i had the exact same symptoms and ended up being that. every bit of power came back once fixed.

i don't suspect it's a vacuum line, because when a vacuum leak happens it has a rough idle and will quit easily while idling, but there is no loss of power.

wouldn't hurt to do a regular old tune-up as well, new plugs and wires. i seriously doubt that alone will fix your power issue though.

edit: also would probably go ahead and replace the fuel filter, don't know that it's causing the problems but that's a commonly neglected part and sounds like a lot of neglect on that one

 

[siguaw]

New vehicle... Start with the basics. Tune up and clean up. Crawl into onto and under it. Look at everything twice.

 

[Bill O'Rights]

Explorers are tough, robust machines but abuse can wear out even the best of them. My personal advice is to hold on to it and get the powertrain running perfectly before making any aspirations towards bodywork, as bodywork will look good, it won't solve a faulty transmission or blown head-gasket.

X10
Everyone wants a good looking ride. The key that last sentence was..."ride". Even the sharpest looking Explorer is useless if it's DOD (Dead On the Driveway). Explorers are amoung the most durable and dependable vehicles on the road. But, maintenance and repairs always come before asthetics.

Definately start with the plugs and wires. Then, as Kamel pointed out, look into the catalytic converter. A clogged cat will suck the power out of anything.

 

[Roadrunner777]

On the general maintenance idea, your front end has at least 5 zerk fittings to grease, and it's something many people don't even think of anymore. Get a gun and grease 'em up. You can lie under the front bumper and hit them all without jacking anything up. 2 minutes.

 

[mr cribb]

If you have an advance auto parts near you i'd get the motorcraft plugs and wires (the only place besides the dealer that I know of whom sells them). I got some for mine and it brought back power and mpgs. I spent $50 on the wires and $2-4 per plug.

I looked at mine like this, that's what was in it @194k, why not put in the factory type stuff.

As far as plugs go the ***** plug to get to was the right rear one. Nearest the A/C box. The simple way is go through the fender well lift up the plastic splash shield and you should see it, and use about 6-10 feet of extensions.

I removed one of my cats (the 2nd one to be exact) and I gained some serious power back. I also live in an area where it isn't a major fuss. With both cats on it was like I was dragging a grand piano behind me.

Your parking brake cable is probably rusted in half.... gotta love the famous NE salt program. I lived in upstate NY for 4 yrs, and I got to experience the rusty underneath of cars.

 

[fastcharlie]

punch out your cat. just did it on my car. had alot of similiar issues. bogging, serious power loss, smelled of gas really bad. now it runs like a champ, and sounds better IMO.

 

[mr cribb]

punch out your cat. just did it on my car. had alot of similiar issues. bogging, serious power loss, smelled of gas really bad. now it runs like a champ, and sounds better IMO.

Only problem is the OP lives in/ near NYC which is strict as all hell for vehicle inspections.

I know NH has them but yours might not be as strict as his.

I had similar issues as what you stated, loss of power, bogging down. Mine didn't wreak of gas though. I removed the "2nd one" if you call it that (right after the one attached to y-pipe). Yes it sounds MUCH better.

 

[4pullingGM]

Another thing ive seen on these that could cause a lack of power and fuel smell is the metal lines coming out of the fuel pump rusted out causing a leak and low fuel pressure. But as others have stated start with the basics first. Good luck and welcome to the site!

 

[Kamel]

you could always do a pressure test before/after the cat to confirm if it's the issue

 

[josephw000]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but I'm back and I'm trying to get this car in order since we have a new baby. The car still runs two years later!

I've added a new starter, muffler, A/C evaporator and brake system.

The exhaust fell off recently so I have a whole new muffler and exhaust system from the cat-back. I didn't replace the cat but after re-reading the thread it might make since.

I am going to read the error messages this week and see what they pull. The issue is the check engine light doesn't come on till the car is warmed up and that can take 20-30 minutes sometimes. That might be an issue in of itself?

I'm still having issues with the A/C and Heat. I think the A/C issue is a hole by the accumulator where the freon is leaking out and the heat issue might just be a clogged heater core. Also, the transmission seems a little iffy. Sometimes the shifting is a little rough and there is some lag when punching the gas although the zip tie trick on the pedal has helped a lot so far.

After I get these things worked out I'd like to start working on the interior and then start taking some pictures.

These cars are pretty tough!

 

[cgbier]

Your slow engine-heat up might be a stuck thermostat. I have the same issue (however most folks here take it out completely - which I assume is my problem).

 

[josephw000]

Your slow engine-heat up might be a stuck thermostat. I have the same issue (however most folks here take it out completely - which I assume is my problem).

Thanks. Planning on taking it into a shop this weekend. I'll mention this specifically and see how it goes.