97explorerdude
New Member
- Joined
- June 4, 2005
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- davenport ia
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97
I'm looking at purchasing a 97, with a skipped timing chain (minimum damage). I got on www.motorcraft.com to see what is interchangeable. It seems only the 97 98 Explorer and 98 mountaineer had the same engine design. Obviously, this wasn't their best design as it was quickly put out of commission. The way I understand this is a common problem? There was a grinding so I'm not sure if the valves are bent or if there is any other damage. Has anyone else had this problem on the sohc engine? If so what all was damaged. ----Also WTF is with parts for the engine. I got on autozone's and oreillys website. They don't sell timing parts for this engine????????????? I'm trying to decide if I should pass on this steal of a deal or not.
Also I've never seen so much sludge build-up on an engine before. It's like 1/4 inch thick under the timing cover---and I'm not excagerating!!
With that much sludge, I don't think a rebuild is in my best interest. I'm pretty sure the previous owner hadn't kept the vehicle properly maintained. If I was to fix the timing problem and check the valves for straightness, I would obviously pull the pistons, etc to check trueness in the cylinders. I'm also going to pretty much be guaranteed a required .030 over, new pistons, rings, bearins, gasket set, maybe heads and/or broken cams (probably valves at a minimum), etc as it was not properly maintained. Seeing as how the timing has jumped and $300-600 in parts minimum is going to be required, my most probable route would be dropping in a used engine. Where is the best place to go to get a used one? This isn't something I want to drop $2500 into. It's more of a $500 or less to get it back on the road and sell it as quickly as possible kind of deal.----Or if I can get enough out of parting it out. ($2000 or better) I might be willing to go that route. I Thank any and all posts in advance for response.
Also I've never seen so much sludge build-up on an engine before. It's like 1/4 inch thick under the timing cover---and I'm not excagerating!!
With that much sludge, I don't think a rebuild is in my best interest. I'm pretty sure the previous owner hadn't kept the vehicle properly maintained. If I was to fix the timing problem and check the valves for straightness, I would obviously pull the pistons, etc to check trueness in the cylinders. I'm also going to pretty much be guaranteed a required .030 over, new pistons, rings, bearins, gasket set, maybe heads and/or broken cams (probably valves at a minimum), etc as it was not properly maintained. Seeing as how the timing has jumped and $300-600 in parts minimum is going to be required, my most probable route would be dropping in a used engine. Where is the best place to go to get a used one? This isn't something I want to drop $2500 into. It's more of a $500 or less to get it back on the road and sell it as quickly as possible kind of deal.----Or if I can get enough out of parting it out. ($2000 or better) I might be willing to go that route. I Thank any and all posts in advance for response.
