Just test drove a 96 V8, loved it, help me decide if this is the one!!!

[Turbo4x4]

Is the ticking coming from the driver side of the engine? Just before I left the dealer tech biz there was a bulletin out on the V-8's that was pretty intense. It seems there was a casting issue that allowed the power steering pump bracket to distort the front of the cylinder head, which casued the valve to stick and then tick. If the vehicle was still under warranty the 'fix' was to replace the engine, along with the P.S. brackets. The inspection looks at where the bracket attaches to the end of the head, and the bracket contacted the block before the head. When you tighten the bolt it distorts the head. Something for everybody to check, but mostly on the units prior to 99.

 

[BrianV]

I only could hear it under throttle and it seemed more to be on the passenger side if I had to guess. but it was really hard to tell.

I haven't read/heard of many people having to replace the V8 engines so I don't think that issue is that severe. Next time I check it out I'll try and listen with the hood open and visually look at the upper manifold.

On another note, the Mountaineer person called back. White with Grey leather, keyless entry, key pad, V8, 2wd, CD player, 110k miles, tune-up done at 101k with new brakes and tires, asking $4,500. I'm going to check it out in a week or so.

 

[96limitedX]

either of those the 96' X or the mounty will be a good idea..either should be great trucks.

 

[pumpkin]

To BrianV

Something for everybody to check, but mostly on the units prior to 99.

Maybe so. I have 101,500 miles and my engine doesn't tick. I know the sound very well. When I was shopping for a V8 Explorer, I came across a few '97 XLT's & EB with that ticking sound and I refused to buy anyone of them because of that. That sound drives me nuts!

I finally found my Explorer in August 2004 after about 6 weeks of searching and close to 50 carfax inquiries. It was 65 miles away as I was coming home from a business trip in Georgia. It was 2 o'clock in the morning and it was a manager special and the dealership was going out of business. Boy did I luck out with this, a '99 Limited w/ 70,525 miles for $8,787

Used Explorers are a dime a dozen everywhere, just keep looking for one that is mechanically sound and in your price range. Don't settle for one with obvious problems, even if you drive it only once a week.

 

[d0nk3x]

just offering my 2 cents.
being an owner of a 97 limited exp V8. i've had the ticking time for a while. It happens usually when the engine is cold. wears off after engine gets going I THINK. i thoguht the problem was pinning in the engine. tried puting in some STP or something long while ago. but problem was still there. just left it alone, nothing has happ since. and i do believe i may have smelled some smells once or twice but unclear on that. could it be pinning? i duno just my lil experience story. gl on ur purchase

 

[BrianV]

just offering my 2 cents.
being an owner of a 97 limited exp V8. i've had the ticking time for a while. It happens usually when the engine is cold. wears off after engine gets going I THINK. i thoguht the problem was pinning in the engine. tried puting in some STP or something long while ago. but problem was still there. just left it alone, nothing has happ since. and i do believe i may have smelled some smells once or twice but unclear on that. could it be pinning? i duno just my lil experience story. gl on ur purchase

If you think you've smelled something then it's likely the leaky exhaust manifold which to me isn't really the end of the world.

 

[FexplorerV8]

i have a 96 v8 with the ticking; engine has round 165k i drive it HARD every day and it just wont die.... i guess ford made this engines pretty durable, and they sure will take a beating!

 

[james t]

The ticking on the V8's is the passenger side exhaust manifold and/or the EGR tube (same area) 99.9999% of the time. Either a new manifold gasket or new EGR tube will fix the problem.

Also, if you drive one that seems to downshift sluggish and not have much "passing power" then the throttle cable has probably stretched. Its a real easy fix- do a search for "throttle cable mod".