Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

10.0

really awful

Typical Repair Cost:

$6,500.00

Average Mileage:

64,574 miles

Number of complaints:

2 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace cylinder heads (1 reports)
  2. replace engine due to timing chain tension guids clogging (1 reports)

Helpful Websites About 2003 Ford Explorer engine tapping/knock

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

problem #2

2008Jul 03

Explorer AWD 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Called Ford for assistance with repair, response was sorry we can't help.
The problem seems to be that the timing chain tension guides get clogged and oil is not pumped causing this mess. This is a known problem with the 2003 explorer. I will not accept Ford's decision not to assist me in the repair. I believe that it is a defect in the engine part, not the maintenance that I have had done on the vehicle. I will fight this. Oh, by the way Ford wanted 7500+ to repair, I will have it done for 4500. Remember this "Quality is Job 1" Hmmmmmmm

David D.

Park Ridge, NJ, USA

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problem #1

2007May 30

(reported on)

Explorer XLT 4.6 (V8)

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,147 miles

since about 68000 kms the engine has had a tapping/knock in the motor. Very easy to hear if you listen through the left front wheel well. Fords answer no fault found, then it was unburnt fuel burning in the exhaust pipe causing the knock.

What the fail to tell the customer is that there is a tech advisory sent to the dealers, advising that certain 4.6L V8 built in 2003 have a valve guide problem. This advisory goes through a very detailed procedure to check the engine.

In my case the valve guides had came loose in the cylinder heads and both heads had to be redone. The engine was rebuilt at a race engine shop total bill $5500 Canadian.

This engine has been run on moble one synthetic oil at $9.00 a litre and changed on a regular basis. The engine shop advises this failure took place due to a defect from the factor.

As for any one who is about to by an exploder thats right a exploder get an extended warr as you will need it. As of yet I have not got any response from for of Canada and they wonder why customers are going to Japanese vehicles

Other problems.
1. rear differential seals( ford has upgrade to new seals) 500.00
2. paint on hood peeling off( to refinish) 700.00
3. rear hatch panel cracked 450.00

all of the above is well know by ford and its garages total out of customer pocket $7150 not including what was replaced under warr:

Alan M.

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

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