oil pan removal

[william1998ex]

i have a 1998 explorer that i think the rods are knocking a bit on start-up. it is a 4.0 pushrod type motor with 150,000 mi. after driving it for about 10 mins. the oil pressure guage needle starts jumping, then falls completely down. i replaced the sending unit with an identical new one, still dous the same thing. put in 10w40 oil , same thing. im thinking rod bearings from the sounds of it. how much trouble is it to pull the pan to have a look see ?????????? thanks guys

 

[Dono]

Has push rods and rockers been replaced in that motors life? These motors are bad for that. I believe 2wd models are really easy to pull the oil pan, and 4wd is a bit harder, but nothing major.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[SoNic67]

... and 4wd is a bit harder, but nothing major.

On 4WD you just need to lift the engine from engine bay, nothing major

 

[Dono]

On 4WD you just need to lift the engine from engine bay, nothing major

Smart A$$



My understanding is that you just need to lift one side slightly and can maneuver the pan out.
I have not needed to pull mine out though.

I'd have to say that unless it was a pan gasket leak, I'd pull the motor if I was sure the noise was from the bottom end. My moneys on the top end making the noise.

I don't know that you would see a sloppy bearing on the bottom end from pulling the pan. Clearances are so tight that you wouldn't see it.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

There's a good chance you have a clogged
oil pump pick-up screen. When they clog, the
oil pressure readings are very erratic, much as
you describe.

As was posted, the 2WD pan is very easy to
remove. Don't know about 4WD...?