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1997 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
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bjpoulson
New User
May 17, 2014, 1:33 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1769 views)
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1997 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
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I have a 1997 for Explorer with a V-6. I had the head gasket replaced on it on 2-25-11 (106,150 miles). This was the 2nd time as the 1st time it did not seal right & I ended up having oil/antifreeze mix & come out of my tailpipe. The 2nd time it sealed correctly but strange things have been happening. One thing I have noticed is that there has been an excessive amount of exhaust ticking even after going very short distances. Also it seems like there may be too much pressure in the engine. My oil gauge shows that I have good oil pressure. I had my oil fill cap blow off once in the past. On another occasion oil was being pushed up into my air filter. Replacing the pvc valve took care of that. Now the most recent thing is that my oil pressure sender switch went bad & oil drained out of it. I am constantly watching the oil pressure gauge & it is always good. But something tells me that something is wrong. I have had it in the shop before to have it looked over & they could not find anything. I am at about 114,000 miles now. I do not put on many miles. It seems that when I am in a hurry (stepping on the gas quickly) is when it ticks the worse when I shut the vehicle off. I am talking very short distances. I live like 4 blocks from work. I was in a hurry when my oil pressure sender switch went bad recently. I have wondered if maybe my exhaust might have a bunch of crap in it from the oil/antifreeze coming out of my tailpipe when the head gasket did not seal right the first time. Do I have too much pressure in the engine causing all the oil related issues? I do not want to pay someone again just to tell me that there is nothing wrong. I do not go on long trips with it. I am afraid that something will happen. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be wrong? My coolant level is always good & whenever I get my oil changed the oil level is never low when they check the level prior to draining it. My gas mileage is worse than what it should be. I have not noticed anything odd about what comes out of my exhaust. The engine seems to run good. It always starts & does not make any abnormal noises. Except for the excessive ticking when I shut the engine off.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 18, 2014, 3:10 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1727 views)
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Re: 1997 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
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What was the reason for the blown head gasket?
Exhaust ticking is somewhat normal after you shut the engine down due to metals that are attached to each other cooling down at different rates.
If you think you have an exhaust restriction, have your mechanic perform an exhaust back pressure test. You didn't state which 4.0L you have, so don't know if it has one or two catalysts. Back pressure reading(s) shouldn't exceed 3 psi at 2500 rpm.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on May 18, 2014, 3:22 AM)
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bjpoulson
New User
May 18, 2014, 12:53 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1713 views)
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Re: 1997 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
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Thank you for your reply.
I bought the vehicle when it had 86,000 miles. At 98,750 miles (2-27-09) I had to replace the intake manifold gasket. When I had the head gasket done later they found that the thermostat was in backwards. It must be the cause. I went back to the place that did the intake manifold gasket & they said that they do not check the thermostat when they replace the intake manifold gasket. They permanently lost my business at that point. I assume that the thermostat was in backwards before that to cause the intake manifold gasket to go bad.
I understand that the ticking is normal. It seems like it has more than normal but maybe it has been me paying more attention to what the engine is doing after the head gasket replacement.
I have the SOHC 4.0L V-6.
(This post was edited by bjpoulson on May 18, 2014, 1:10 PM)
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kev2
Veteran
May 19, 2014, 2:26 AM
Post #4 of 4
(1682 views)
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Re: 1997 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
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a starting place -
get the vehicle scanned - yes even if there is NO cel light on.
Keep your eye on fluid levels- look for evidence of coolant in oil and oil in coolant...
that should be a start
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