Problems with a 1997 Ford Explorer

[edselman]

Any problems with a 1997 ford explorer? I'm looking at a 97 ford explorer, for about $4500. It had it's engine replaced 10,000 miles ago. I want to know if it is prone to failling apart, or turning into a 4,000 pound Fire Pit to make smores on! Drivetrain,engines, etc I want to know any of the problems that may exist!

What is the gas mileage also?

Dane

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

Depends on which engine you have and its its 4x4 or not. My 4x4 OHV '97 gets an average of 16-19 in mixed driving. The SOHC will be around 17-20 I think. I'd be a little worried about the engine being replaced already; that's usually a sign that somebody took lousy care of the truck. That makes me think that other things will go bad too, like the tranny, transfer case, etc. The price is good, but I'd have it checked over well by a mechanic before I bought it.

 

[BradE.]

A quick search will yield you thousands of threads relating to common problems with Explorers.

 

[general x]

Timing chain recall, maybe? I think their were problems with the timing chain on the SOHC engines. Also, i would have to wonder on the condition of the tranns if the engine was replaced, Especially if it was a OHV engine, Those things last forever. And the A4LD (Assuming thats in the truck) isent the stongest tranny!

Hope all goes well!!!

 

[general x]

A quick search will yield you thousands of threads relating to common problems with Explorers.

Confidence building right their

 

[spindlecone]

Have not thought about smores in 40 yrs, thx for the remind, off to get the fixins as we speke
Hope the truck works out
Best Regards

 

[X~FACTOR]

I agree with Jayhawk. Having the engine changed already tells you all is not well. I would pass this up and look for something that is privately owned. Preferable by an old woman who drives the truck to church on Sundays only. Hey, it COULD happen and you COULD be that lucky.

 

[general x]

An old lady who got told by the dealer years ago " This lifted 4x4 With a 351 modified is exactly what an old woman like yourself should be driving..." If you wait long enough its bound to happen!!!

 

[edselman]

this truck is privately owned. The symptoms the person gave is the same one we had with our 1993 ford explorer: It was dumping the coolant all over the place. Boy, that sounds familiar! Seems like yesterday when it was hissing and shooting coolant all over the place! They have receipts for the engine, it was a new one installed by a ford dealership.

Dane