Should I put money into it?...

[ddeg10]

I have a 92 Explorer Eddie Bauer, 4x4. I would like your guyses opinion on if I should put money into it.

Many people have posted on this subject, but whenever I start my Explorer, I get a loud clicking noise. Anyway, I figure its either the pushrod/rocker arm wear or the lifters.

Either way, it has 160,000 miles on it and I don't really know if I should put any money into it to fix this noise. I don't know how much longer it will last and if it's worth it to go fix. I haven't had any other trouble with it. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. It's got some fluid leaks as well but I can't do much about those except keep adding fluid.

I figure I should just keep running it until it dies, although that noise is very annoying.

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance,
ddeg10

 

[espnfreak]

Go check out a 4.6L 2002+ Explorer, those are pretty nice, plus you can prolly get a great deal if your lookin for a new truck..

 

[jimbo74]

i messed up my truck 4 wheeling.... that cuased lifter knock...mileage on mine was/is 110k.. well, now its 2 months later... and my truck just blew a rod out the side of the block......

it depends.... is the cost of throwing in a new engine plus all the other light maintenace stuff going to be cheaper for you than buying a new car?

 

[unclemeat]

It depends on your use of the truck. If you plan to keep driving it or to do a build up on it then yes. If you do not drive the truck very much then you should sell it or drive it til it breaks. Once it breaks it not going to be worth much.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Like what everyone is saying, it depends. You've got the cash go for a later model. A 2nd Generation if you are going off roading and lifting and 3rd Gen. if you leaving it stock or streeting it.

 

[ddeg10]

I have $2500 saved up and a $9 an hour job. Im 19 years old so not a lot of income at this point.

I love my X but the miles scare me :\... I wont be able to afford a new engine or transmission if either fails. I put about 60-70 miles on the X every day to work and back and just 'around.'

I was thinking maybe save a little more money for a couple months and then get a newer model explorer sport (95-96) with 70-80k. Any suggestions? I hate to get a different vehicle besides and X or X-sport, I like the room. No kids, just convenient.

Thanks for your help,
ddeg10

 

[lonestar]

Find out what the clicking is, and figure out how much to fix, then decide.

If its just the valves or rockers, you may be able rebuild them cheap, or pick up some newer heads at a junkyard. Wrecked cars still have good engine parts.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Originally posted by ddeg10
I put about 60-70 miles on the X every day to work and back

Dude that's a lot of miles! With today's gas prices your $9 per hour will just go to Exxon. I hate to say this but you might be better off buying a small economy car for $2500 or a Bike just for your daily commute. If you really like the X then keep it as a weekend project and enjoy it as a hobby. Good luck, man!