Worth keeping this 1997 model?

[NJExplorerFan]

Hey Guys,

I was wondering what your thoughts are on the 1997 XLT 4.0L SOHC Explorers. I have one in black with leather interior, electric moonroof, CD changer, cruise control etc. It's pretty much loaded and has a little over 155K miles now. I bought it 3 years ago and ever since, I've put new tires, starter, battery, one pulley, belt and a bearing in one of the front wheels. I also did a full tune up (plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, PCV etc.).

It runs great (engine, transmission, brakes, shocks) but here is the latest:

1. It needs a new catalytic converter and I been driving with the "check engine" light on for months. Is this causing any damage by leaving as is?

2. I notice that the coolant reservoir seems to keep dropping. I have to keep adding antifreeze every couple weeks. I don't see anything leaking on the floor or anywhere on the truck? Is it burning internally inside the engine block? No smoke out the tailpipe either?

A new catalytic converter (parts and labor) will run approximately $500 to repair. And, I'm not sure what the coolant leak would cost.

Is it worth fixing this for a truck that's worth about $1,500 - $2,0000? I've always liked the 2002-2005 design Explorers. Is it worth donating this one and getting a newer model? How many miles can I get out of this bad boy? Should I run it to the ground?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

 

[williams.cory]

I would sell it and go for something newer....ONLY because it has the SOHC and eventually you will probably have the infamous timing chain rattle....And also since it has the SOHC that means it also has the 5R55E trans which isnt a good trans at all, might be running into problems with that as well.

If you do get a newer X then go for a V8!! they are so reliable and really tough. Well worth the 1-2 MPG loss IMO!

 

[robertoa1a]

Do you want to sell it then shop for another one with, god knows what, wrong with it? I would concentrate on that coolant issue to make sure it isn't a bad head gasket. It may be a bad hose or radiator cap. What does the oil look like?

Secondly, are you sure you have a bad cat?

 

[marragtop]

Regarding donations... tax laws changed a couple of years ago. You can only deduct what the charity gets for it, not the book value. For your vehicle, assume you will only get a $300-500 deduction. Better off parting it out, or selling it out right.

 

[williams.cory]

Regarding donations... tax laws changed a couple of years ago. You can only deduct what the charity gets for it, not the book value. For your vehicle, assume you will only get a $300-500 deduction. Better off parting it out, or selling it out right.

Well that sucks :roll:

If you do get another Explorer, I would HIGHLY, highly recommend the V8. I'm pretty sure even 2003-2005 Explorers have the timing chain tensioner issues....If I'm wrong about that please let me know :

But I have seen many 2004 Ford Ranger 4.0 SOHC that have had problems as early as 15k. So I would stay away from the 4.0L. But thats just my $0.02

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Thanks for your responses guys. Hey, I've heard about the timing chain going. And, I do get a rattle that I hear, but I've also heard that for a couple years now. Is that my chain ready to go? If so, is any of this worth repairing? And, my RPM gauge doesn't work either but I can live with that.

Seems universally everyone is telling me to get the V8 on the '02 - '05 Explorers just because they're much more powerful and worth the 1-2 mpg you lose. Are they overall better motors than the V6's? Less problems?

 

[williams.cory]

Thanks for your responses guys. Hey, I've heard about the timing chain going. And, I do get a rattle that I hear, but I've also heard that for a couple years now. Is that my chain ready to go? If so, is any of this worth repairing? And, my RPM gauge doesn't work either but I can live with that.

Seems universally everyone is telling me to get the V8 on the '02 - '05 Explorers just because they're much more powerful and worth the 1-2 mpg you lose. Are they overall better motors than the V6's? Less problems?

Its possible that rattling is your timing chain. I've seen some people really baby their explorer having the timing chain rattle and make it 20k miles. What RPMs are you at when you hear the rattling?

And the V8's are MUCH more reliable and have fewer problems. Well worth the 1-2 MPG loss. Not to mention they have great power. But another reason to get a V8 is because they have a different transmision than the V6's. A MUCH MUCH better one!! If I'm not mistakin its the 4R75W....The 2nd gen. explorer v8's have the 4R70W and even those are a GREAT transmission, most likely to never need a rebuild in its lifetime ( of course unless you really beat it bad and dont keep up on mantainence!! )

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Hmmm... I usually hear my rattle at idle and slight rev up. Once I get going, it usually is unheard. Mainly at idle for the most part. That's a real expensive fix I would think since lots of labor is involved. If that's the case, then I'm gonna pay my fairwell since it probably won't be worth fixing.

Wow, sounds like the V8 is the way to go! I'm looking at somewhere around a 2003 model. Any specific years I should stay away from or are they all ok from 2002 - 2005?

 

[99ex22]

if it's at idle that thing has alot of life left in it. I belive thats your front tensioner. you can probably take 200K + miles just change your oil regulary. As for your coolant leaking im thinking your water pump probably has a slight leak. Mines been leaking a little for years with no problems. No coolant on the ground or anything...it's because it gathers up in places and burns off. fyi I have 163,000 miles on mine...original engine and transmission.

 

[williams.cory]

Sure you could "probably" make it to 200k, but every motor is different. just depends on if you want to chance it. I'm not saying keep buying new vehicle's every couple years, but if it was me I wouldnt take chances with a SOHC...But just my opinion.

Replacing the front tensioner isnt the hardest part, its the back one because you have to take the motor out to get to it...


But what ever you do just make sure you have a vehicle that you like to drive and puts a smile on your face! Nothing like driving something you dont like, takes the fun out of driving.

And as far as I know all 2002-2005 are all great. You could post in the other section of this forum for the 3rd gen explorers and get people opinions on what year to get.

 

[robertoa1a]

It's hard to sell a vehicle with a check engine light lit. That issue has to be resolved reguardless. Can't you find a cheeper way to fix it.

 

[99ex22]

the only bad things ive heard about 3rd gens is their transmissions going out, the rear ends whining and going out and the rear hatch developes cracks.

 

[williams.cory]

the only bad things ive heard about 3rd gens is their transmissions going out, the rear ends whining and going out and the rear hatch developes cracks.

The problem with the transmission's going out are on mainly the V6's only, right? Or bot V8's and V6's? No shocker to me the tranny having problems with the V6 but for the V8 is shocking....lol


:::

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Hmmm... I don't know any cheaper way of fixing a cat. It's gotta be replaced according to multiple scans done. But, that's a good point that it needs to get done even if I sell. But, I just don't see paying 1/3 of the price for the whole truck to then sell it.

What if I left it running with a bad cat? Aside from the annoying "check engine" light, would it pass an emissions test?

 

[Cat Stevens]

The last time I had to replace a cat, it was horrendously expensive to go with factory stuff. I was pleasantly surprised when I took it to a small muffler shop. he welded one on in about a half hour and it was only about $125.