Looking at buying 1997 Eddie Bauer 4.0L SOHC

[bcboy4ca]

I am looking to get a used explorer and went and looked at a 1997 Explorer Eddie Bauer, 4.0 SOHC, it has 100,000 miles (160,000 kms) on it. It looks alright other than a few cosmetic problems in the interior.

The salesmen went to start it and the battery was dead so he jumped it and it fired up. We let it run for a few minutes before taking it for a test drive, the engine didn't make any funny noises or anything. As soon as I started driving it I felt a big miss when accelerating. When I got on the gas there was a light on the dash "CHECK GAUGE" (I think, it was red) that would come on and then go off.

It drove straight, braked well and felt solid otherwise.

The salesmen said it hadn't been in for an inspection yet and he was going to get it in on Monday. He also didn't know how long it had been sitting (maybe old gas?)

I am hoping that it is just regular tune up stuff wrong with it (plugs/wires etc)

I am just hoping that you guys on here might be able to tell me if it may be something more serious and what to watch out for when buying one of these used.

Cheers,

Grant

 

[sport97]

The check gauge light was probably for the fuel gauge if the battery voltage and oil pressure gauges were at normal levels. Maybe the battery voltage was low from an alternator problem since it had a dead battery, just an idea. As for the miss, were you floored or close to it or just on the gas a little? Mine had a miss at idle and a miss/pop when floored. I cleaned the Idle Air Control(IAC) and solved the issue. Could also be plugs. Also listen for any rattle from the timing chain as they have issues sometimes. Make sure the tranny shifts good too.

 

[jlsparky7]

Sounds like simple fixes. Negotiate it into the price and get a sweet deal.