Taking A 93 Explorer Out Of Mothballs

[mohavewolfpup]

Parked at the side of the house here is a explorer that got parked in 2000. it's a 1993 ford explorer, 4.0 V6, automatic, (not sure about the rear end, but that doesn't really matter at this point if the front end won't fire!) I am curious what everyones answers would be to taking this truck out of mothballs.

All it's life since it rolled off the louisville assembly plant onto a train or truck transport to end up at gaudin ford, it's had cooling problems. a/c ran like hell all the time, barely would cool you down on a hot day, or even a cold day.

Taking it to gaudin ford never found anything wrong, even took it to tom coward lincoln mercury here (now a desert/autonation dealer, ugh), same thing. "it's okay!"

we put a fan onto it also to help, that did some, but I don't know how much.

a trip taken in 1996 also to arizona had a weird problem with it. I remember being I believe in boulder city just outside vegas, and it was a pain to start iirc. when it did, it was then "boggy" like it was choking to run. I don't know if this was just bad gas, or maybe related to the problem. was taken during the summer also. all I can remember is that it seemed rough and idling funny, then went back to it's normal self (5 people onboard in the truck and some stuff in the back, luggage, etc)

so 2000 rolls around, it's getting worse and worse. my father did heaven knows what to it, I just remember the intake manifold coming off, a new head gasket applied, etc. next day my mom drove it to pay the water bill, and it wasn't running hot (well hot, but running in a bad way) limped home, and got the hood up in the garage, coolant is boiling out of the overflow tank like mad, and it was making a very high pitched whining sound as the coolant shot out and was poured all over the floor. at this point we decided to just park it.

also, if this helps any, (although it's my automotive genius of a father saying it, hah!) he claims running it on 4 cylinders was better then 6 when he took 2 spark plug wires off at the boot end to get it parked in the back yard. it sounded to me like the engine was going to shoot rods through the block and heaven knows what else with and without the 2 wires hooked up. horrible idle also. a vaccum plug/cap was blown off also during this.

so my question is (and if you need more info, let me know and I will try to remember) any of you have a guess what the problem might be? I have a few theories I have read on other forums with people talking about the 4.0 v6, but I am curious what everyone thinks here.

also, assuming it might be a primary theory I have in my brain dealing with the 4.0 v6 from what I read, and assuming that's it, how do I take this truck out of moth balls? just repair and throw the key, or should I drain the transmission, etc? (I would change the oil/antifreeze (what little remains of antifreeze) and all that just to be on the safe side, but don't want to fry the transmission if sitting for 6 years is bad on it.

the interesting thing also is that my father when putting the intake manifold back on, didn't put it on right for some reason. when I look at the engine (could take photos if wanted, unless it is supposed to be like this, but I doubt it since engines are closed systems pretty much) I see a half inch or less gap near each of the "pipes" for the manifold. it looks like I can see "holes" with those, so that makes me wonder if the engine might be murdered by his mopar hand if grit got sucked into it, even though we drove it at the most 5-10 miles after it was "repaired"

thanks for your help! i'd love to get this back on the road as it is pristine in every other way except for some paint issues, the engine is the worst. to get the engine replaced we got quoted over $7K at the dealership, and even then I think a rebuilt is about $2-3K here, way over the resale value so it's a hard choice which way to go.

 

[dkkne]

I'd honetsly find another 4.0L and just swap out engines.

 

[ma96782]

IMHO........IF, you're gonna keep it.........Pull the motor........you said it has been since 2000 (you didn't say if it was turned over at regular intervals) possible that moisture got in there and ruined the cyl and rings (rusted), valve springs under tension, etc..........anyway, I'd want to start off w/ a known engine, it's easier.

Drain everything (trans also) and do a tune on everything. New parts, (for those that don't test out O.K. or are questionable).

IF, you do change the engine.......don't forget to change the fuel filter and drain the tank, check the filter in there too, and check pump operation......note that anything the gas touched, could be varnish clogged by now. BTW the trans could also be trash by now.

IF, you don't want to DIY............sell it. IMHO........a pro job will cost too much.

Aloha, Mark

PS.............Or, sell off the parts.

 

[EMG7895]

That gap you see in the intake manifold is probably the fuel rail.

 

[marragtop]

Also, assume you will need to replace most of the braking system. I suspect the calipers and/or front lines will be locked, and the rear cyclinders will be frozen or blow out. Combining that with engine, trans, and cooling system potential problems, be prepared for a lot of work. I hope it works out for you.

 

[l1k2gadd]

If you yourself have never done your own auto repairs it would be a project for you, from the way it sounds. Start checking the classifieds. Both in print and internet classifieds if you have them there. I have bought 2 parts 1993 Explorers close to where I live, both for under $500.00 each and I drove one home and my daughter drove the other, at another occasion, home. If you want to work on the truck yourself you will need all kinds of tools and if you do find a rolled or wrecked Explorer for parts that runs and drives good you will need an engine hoist if you plan on replacing or pulling the motor. Remember, you also said the truck overheated before you decided to park it. That would tell me the radiator, thermostat, or cooling system still needs attention. I hear from others that the 4.0 isn't forgiving if you run it hot. I haven't found this out from experience myself - and don't want to either. A DONOR TRUCK sounds like a good idea. Do some looking around. IF you know someone in the auto salvage business see if they go to the local insurance auctions. You might be able to find a wrecked running parts truck there cheap. I'm always open to working on a project and have old 60s Mustangs and Cougars, a couple of Fox Body Mustangs and now the 1993 Explorer XLT 4x4 and my daughter's recently purchased 1993 Limited 4x4. JUST REMEMBER, I don't remember reading if your truck is a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. Try to find a parts truck with the same drivetrain. You will have more parts you can use from vehicle to vehicle. If you like the truck and want to take on the challenge DO IT!

 

[mohavewolfpup]

I would like to keep the truck honestly, and don't mind doing extra work on it. Ironically it was this vehicle at the age of 12 I started working on trucks with

*sigh* choices choices. new engines are too friggin expensive from rebuilders for what they offer imho, seems like a rip off. guess it's coming down to how much do I really love the vehicle and do I want to put the cash into it, or just leave it parked there and go forward with a 1986 F350 crew cab diesel project?

 

[ma96782]

If you already own the Crew Cab Diesel.........and, IF all it needs is to tweak/tune and go..........I'd go that route.

Aloha, Mark