What to do with the Explorer

[Strike_Zero]

Thanks to all of the DIYs and FAQs on this site, I've done a lot of work to the Wife's 94 Explorer. Starter . . . yup, starter solenoid . . . yup, plugs and wires . . . yup, water pump . . . yup, power steering pump . . . yup, auto trans service, flush and filter . . . yup, shocks . . . yup, intake gaskets . . . yup

Sounds like I good running Explorer now . . .eh no

Damn fuel pump is out on it. :frustrate

We were planning to sell it once I put the starter on it, but now more $$$ to get it running.

I'm at a cross road on the Explorer . . .sell it as is and cut our losses or buck up and do the fuel pump (doesn't appear to be a fun job) and front wheel bearings and then sell it . . .

What say the peanut galley?

 

[Glen4X4]

Either way you look at it, you're not going to get the value of the truck and parts/labor that you put into it. As much as you've put into it, you're honestly better off keeping it if that's a choice. If you rather sell then the choice is ultimately yours because either way your losing out on time and money.

 

[Strike_Zero]

Glen:

That's actually a choice as well. The original plan was installing the starter when it went out and taking it down to the country to store it until needed.

 

[Anime]

The fuel pump isn't too bad, and can be done in a few hours even if going by the drop-the-tank method (as opposed to cutting an access hole in the body floor).

You can try and save some dough by dropping the tank and pulling the pump assembly to see what condition it's in, then just going for a replacement pump and strainer (rather than a whole new assembly with pump attached) if the rest is clean and not rusted throughout.

Wheel bearings aren't too bad either, even on a 4WD. Just be sure you have the large socket tool for the huge nut that's on the auto hubs if that's what you have.

Don't forget about using RockAuto.com for parts. Things like fuel pumps and wheel bearings can come in at quite a savings, and you can get the top brand name stuff for less than the cheap brands at a parts store. There's also always a 5% off coupon, which makes shipping essentially free, and no tax either.


As for keeping it or selling it, that depends on your needs. A first gen in good shape that's had all the problems taken care of is worth quite a bit as a dependable vehicle. It's likely worth more as a vehicle to keep and not have to worry about than it is on the market right now. Of course, nothing says you can't keep it for now and have it always for sale at the right price, anytime.

 

[runderwo]

A fuel pump is really not that bad. The toughest part is getting rusty bolts on the tank shield and straps off. Also you need the correct tools to remove the quick connects at the pump and the filter. Use the plastic disconnects they sell at O'Reilly (you need 2 sizes), the metal Autozone kind do not work worth a damn. Use a quality OEM or Napa fuel filter. I wouldn't use a no-name Chinese pump. I got a high flow aftermarket pump from TRE Performance.

Also, do yourself a favor and take the opportunity to replace the front to rear brake line with a poly one if it hasn't been done already, you'll be saving yourself time in the long run. And also, replace both pump and sending unit even if the other is still working. They have about the same lifespan.

Why am I saying all this? I replaced a sender only to have to do the brake line 3 months later and the pump 6 months later. :roll: Fixing only what's broke at the moment is a false economy here.

 

[bmxking5]

If you fix these problems, it will be way easier to sell the explorer since it would be a good running vehicle as opposed to needing it towed. Not to mention you should be able to get a good bit more $$ for it versus selling it for under a grand for non-running truck.... If you have done all of those repairs, wheel bearings and fuel pump shouldn't be too difficult for you.