Rattling noise turned bad

[roughrider17]

Hey guys,
i posted a few days ago about my engine making a rattling noise and i received a few good tips, but here is an update.
The other day i got in my trac and started it up and it sounded TERRIBLE, constant rattling noise, just an absolute racket. I had school all day today so my dad ran it over to my local ford dealership and according to him they heard it and said im going to need a new engine.
NOW my question is, once i am at this point, is it still salvageable or would it be better for me to cut my losses and see if i can get some money from my trac while its still running. I have a fair emotional connection with it however if its going to be a few thousand dollars i would rather not put that much money into it.
Any help would be extremely appreciated.
Cheers, Roughrider

 

[JuBean]

You are looking at several thousand either way the repair is done. If the motor is still running then you should be able to get it rebuilt with new timing components but it is still not going to be cheap since the motor has to be pulled anyways.

The trac is a fun truck but I would recommend that you sell it and get a cheap car to get you through school but be aware that you may not get much for it with the death rattle.

 

[roughrider17]

My dad has a friend who MAY be able to rebuild the engine for a hell of a lot less than a mechanic shop would, so well see how that goes, but if it comes down to it i might have to cut my losses and invest in a whole knew car.
Thanks alot for your input

 

[JuBean]

If you have a mechanic friend who is willing to let you help you can cut the labor cost.
You should take a look at the cost of parts vs the cost of a long block from a local auto parts store which would be about $3000us but you might be able to confirm front or rear chains (check the last link) in advance of taking it to a mechanic for major work.


Take a look at some of the threads by 2000streetrod to get an idea of what goes into the timing chains (he also has a lot of part numbers listed out)

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2509638

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2334474

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278100