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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
Yeah, it's more annoying than anything. I've seen lots of noisy 302s that dont seem to mind, haha. If it wasn't such a pita I'd replace the rockers and lifters but I'd rather hold off for now.
The missus is leaning towards the Mountaineer too. I'm still going to hold off deciding until I gave give the Explorer a tune up and see how well the gem polishes.
Well, if any of you are in Arizona and might be interested in a stupid low miles and clean 96 OHV 2wd let me know.
Tough choice. 95-96 are probably the best V6 powertrains for reliability. With low gearing they are acceptable, but not a performance vehicle. Many new smaller cars such as the Corolla have similar acceleration the the OHV V6(high 9 low 10). I kind of like lower power in an SUV because it keeps me a responsible driver.
Then again between the two I would probably take the V8. Most reliable powertrain known to man and no slouch.
Someone is still going to be lucky getting that V6.
HA HA oh man and lifter and rocker noise.I hear ya.I had my 5.0 rebuilt with aluminum roller rockers and stiffer springs etc...Oh man is this thing noisy.Its been that way for 4 years now LOL.It sounds like a diesel sometimes.The mechanic said to me well you shouldn't of asked for full roller rockers and stiff springs and hardened parts.What a noisy SOB.But runs balls to the fricking wall and loves to rev and loves to be beat on.I am willing to oblige to that request too.LOL.People will say to me HEY YOUR ENGINE IS KNOCKING.Yea yea yea.
Lol, It's just inherent to the motor no matter what setup you're running. Doesn't hurt anything but always bugs me. Not to mention, if I replace everything it is a bear of a job and it will probably be noisy in a couple years again anyways, hahaha.
Lol, It's just inherent to the motor no matter what setup you're running. Doesn't hurt anything but always bugs me. Not to mention, if I replace everything it is a bear of a job and it will probably be noisy in a couple years again anyways, hahaha.
The noise doesn't bother me to bad.Its just the people that look at me funny like i have no oil in my motor and its knocking.You know that look.The dam thing sound like a gm LS motor that has 200K miles on it.
Yeah, haha. I'm debating adding a little Lucas oil stabilizer. Not too much because it's so thick but I'm wonder if a little will help knock down the noise a bit.
Yeah, haha. I'm debating adding a little Lucas oil stabilizer. Not too much because it's so thick but I'm wonder if a little will help knock down the noise a bit.
Worth a try for sure.I am running 10w40 synthetic blend right now with a motorcraft filter and its still noisy as hell.I was thinking of trying 15w40 next.I might leave a quart of oil out next time for a quart of lucas just to see if that will quiet it down.Since i dont drive it during cold months i may even try 2 quarts of lucas as a replacement for 2 quarts of oil.
The Lucas is thick like honey. I'm only even willing to try it because I've always been happy with Lucas stuff and I live in Arizona. Plus, I have some MMO in there which is pretty thin.
The Lucas is thick like honey. I'm only even willing to try it because I've always been happy with Lucas stuff and I live in Arizona. Plus, I have some MMO in there which is pretty thin.
So, while it doesn't directly relate to The Gem Conundrum as we've decided to keep the Mountaineer, I did add about 1/3Q of Lucas oil stabilizer to the Mountaineer to see if it would quiet down the bit of rocker noise. Why so little? Because the Lucas is so thick I was skiddish. How much of a difference could less than half a Q make? WOW ... Takes more load to get noise and the noise overall if softer and quieter. I'm going to drain some oil so I can add a bit more. I always loved Lucas products but kept my distance from the gear oil thick stabilizer. I'm a believer now though!
Sierra Vista. I see your profile says Phoenix. If you don't know where SierraVista/Ft.Huachuca is it's about an hour south of Tucson.
Not a bad drive. While we don't do it often anymore we used to drive up/down to Tucson and Phoenix pretty regularly.
I have a few old Army buddies who are up by you so I like to go up when I get the chance to catch up and share stories.
Well, the Explorer will probably get posted for sale this week. Who knows how long it will last. As for the Mountaineer ... MINE! haha
They are both in insanely good shape inside and out. I'll take and post pictures of the Explorer before it goes bye-bye. The Mountaineer too if I have time.
II had a buddy of mine who would have bought that '96 a few months ago, but he got an '02 or '03 Escape instead.
I hope your '96 goes to an Explorer person. I'm way too far away to see it or else I would. The closest I've ever been to your area would be Mesa Verde, near the 4 corners.
