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My mechanic and I checked the vacuum and the hoses. The conculsion that we came to was that there were deposits in the upper cylinders and valves that were putting too much air in the engine. This is what i did:
1. When the knock sound starts, back off on the gas pedal.
2. Dont change your air filter as often.. it may sound wierd, but it actually cuts down on the airflow into the engine and stops the knock.
3. make sure you are using the right oil 5w30 or 10W30. In the winter, I ran with some more 5w than 10w.
4. Use 93 or 94 octane gas. Also use a good (3M) fuel injector and deposit remover in the gas tank every month.
5. Consider having the upper engine deposits professionaly cleaned.. it might cost $300.
Good luck. I sold the car.. so I dont have the problem now..
Explorer sales figures are undeniable. I can't diss the Toyota 4Runner because I have seen them commonly go 250k miles with little problems. I think despite this, they are still a might over priced. The limiteds look pretty sharp though. I doubt I'd ever buy one though.
Cars and trucks in all classes and price ranges are going to have problems from time to time. The more 'creature comforts' that are added, the more likely they are to flaw.
Take good care of that 94, and you will be much better off than buying a new one.
Ace
a-Anyone else having this problem?
b-Anyone have experience in going to arbitration w/ ford? Do you get totally screwed?
I am but a lowly female who was thinking of safety and AWD when purchasing this vehicle.
Thanks in advance for your help!
We have replaced an O2 sensor, the EGR valve (Ford bugaboo)and had a stuck HVAC door. Otherwise it still has its original tires, brakes, battery, belts, wiipers, and bulbs. The paint quality is much better than on other Fords we have owned, and still looks awesome (black & Gold) and am prouid to drive this vehicle.
Although the ride is stiff, the hadling is very tight (huge anti-rollbar) and has good steering (rack and pinion). To me it feels like a big Mustang; stiff and fun. When Ford revised the Explorer in 1995, they threw out the twin I-beam, and resirculating ball steering system and went torsen bar upper and lower control arms and enclosed the front half of the frame. The result of which is stiff and steady with excellent alignment and tire wear charictoristics.
Although I like Fords (especially modified Mustangs), I currently drive a '94 BMW 530i. This car has proven to a be fine car, but the Explorer has a certain "do all" ability that really makes a stronger impression for pride in ownership.
I think millions of people have had similar experinces we have had. And would (and will) continue to buy these vehicals. Running cost are not bad, and the room, power, comfort and yes dependability of Explorers are very good.
Explorers are Excellent SUV's
Be sensitve as well as aware that your experinece is not typical for a Ford product, especially the Explorer. The 96 model year was a good production run for the Explorer.. you are lucky. Later years have not been so lucky.
I am currently leasing the truck and the lease is up in a little over a year. I am considering buying it after the lease and using it as an extra vehicle, not for everyday. I was thinking of writing to Ford Credit and making an offer for the vehicle lower than the pre-determined price. What are other's experience with this engine? I have to say I have 32,000 miles on it and it runs great! I know someone else with a 95 XLT with the OHV V6 and has lots of trouble.
Anyone else have problems with the rear wiper? I have had to have the motor replaced 3 times.
Thanks!
As far as the high beams go, maybe there is a problem with the steering column wiring harness and turn signal mechanism?
Thanks,
You can probably do it yourself, but the task is not a one person job, and those doors are heavy. Before you bring your truck to the dealer, check with a salvage yard for the parts first.
Good luck.
Has anyone had any experience with replacing the stock shocks. Im considering replacing mine on my 98 EB with Edlebrock IAS shocks. My goal is to get a less bumpy ride and to prevent swaying. Also, what I can look for in reducing wind noise? I've noticed that between 40-60mph, a lot of wind noise is present causing the truck to drift a little. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
As for what type of brand, I went with a Monroe. The top of the line would be Edelbrock or Bilstein. Both very good, but will cost around $55~65 per shock. Entry level, Monroe or Gabriel are around $20~30/shock. I perfer Monroe over Gabriel. JMO.
The immediate improvements I noticed are: shorter stoping distances, reduction in nose dive while breaking, no "rear end" sag under heavy SOHC acceleration, and a big reduction in body roll while on freeway on-off ramps. Also, center console does not rattle anymore, thank goodness.
Sadatx, go to 4X4central.com and do a search for this subject matter and you will be well informed of shock replacement and the 4ord Explorer.
Bye the way, does yours sound deep or like a 16 year-olds Honda Civic? Remember, I have a V6.
good luck.
o-ring gaskets leaking vacuum. Let me give you Explorer owners a little detail on Ford Explorer engines. The 4.0 Ohv V-6 & 5.0 Ohv V-8's are very good engines. The 4.0 SOHC is junk. When Ford designed the SOHC 4.0 they did a very poor job.
This is why were the cam for the pushrod motor used to go they put a thing called jackshaft in the engine were the cam for the pushrod motor used to go. Then they have a main timing chain that drives this jackshaft. Then their is 2 chains that come of the jackshaft. The chain in the front of the engine drives the cam for the left head. The chain in the rear of the engine drives the cam in the right head. Ford replace the 4.0 OHV V-6 with this engine because it was supposed to be less complex. If this engine was supposed to be less complex then why does it have 3 timing chains {4 timing chains if you have a balance shaft on the 4x4 models} 3 Cams to drive all of the chains.Ford needs to go back to the drawing board on this engine design and design it like the 4.6 V-8 with 2 timing chains in front of the engine & 2 cams for the chains to drive. This messeage is from your online Ford Tech everyone have a happy New Year.
where did you hear about a warranty extension of 6years or 100k. on the 4l SOHC? I have heard about the cam tensioners and lower o-rings for the manifold, extension to 6yrs. or 72k but not about the entire engine being extended. What exactly is covered under the 100k extension your are referring to?
Some quick observations...The auto 4WD is not very useful while trying to navigate snow-covered streets. Several times I found myself spinning my wheels and sitting still while trying to get out of a small snow bank (<18 inches). But, when I switched to 4WD High, the Explorer and I were on our way in a flash.
Had to go out in the middle of the storm to pick up a sick child's prescription, and I passed all types of stuck vehicles (including a tow truck and a plow) while my Explorer competently handled the roads.
Regarding the timing chain coverage. I'm looking at my ESP Premium Care Contract and at no time does it state ENGINE replacement. It does cover 99% of the engine components (no drive belts, hoses, coolant or spark plugs/wires. My uncle has a '97 SOHC V6 4X4 and the engine WAS replaced along with necessary components. Diagnosis=timing chain(s) malfunction!!! My coverage is 72 mos./ 100,000 mi. so I am glad I should be covered. I only paid $625 for the coverage (better to be safe, right?). Check out ford.com and link to ESP.
Good luck
I have seen pictures and write up on Edmonds but dealer said they don't have any info yet. Would like to order one......hope I don't have to pay sticker.