Have a 1998 Ford Explorer 4X4 with 4.0 SOHC V6 (I believe) been parked about a year. Without getting in to how stupid I was, and saying I am NOT a mechanic....the engine was gunked up badly. It caused the oil pressure to drop off completely and began knocking. I had oil and filter changed, but it ran a few miles and did it again. My question is which is easier and cheaper in (GENERAL) replace the engine with a junk yard one? or Attempt to rebuild the original one? (2) Can the original one be rebuilt (3) How reliable are junk yard engines in GENERAL? suggestions? I would like to fix this up for my 15.5 year old neice to drive as it is obviously paid for and if she wrecks it, well its paid for. Unsure how to proceede? Not alot of money for a new engine and I will probably attempt to do the work on it myself, with some assistance from mechanically inclined friends? [8D]

 

I would get a junk yard engine.[hr]Shop around for low milage with a warantee.

 

even if it sat for a while you may still be able to save the motor if it is worth saving, if you plan to, get rid of all of the old fuel if you haven't already, if you ran it with the old fuel you probably gunked up the injectors, so you would have to replace them, then i would replace the spark plugs and wires and see how it runs.

 

He has a oil pressure problem with knocking the motor is basicly shot.

 

Wouldnt cost that much,,, to drop the oil pan an put a new oil pump in an see what you get,,, probaly take you like a weeked if you did it at home,,,,, pull a couple of rod caps an main caps to see what the brgs an crank look like ,,,,,, New oil pumps are cheap , add a pan gaskit , oil an filter , an some coolant ,, probaly like $100-$125.oo bucks , plus 2 twelve paks .

Youngest Boy drugged home a 90 Ranger 2.3L, 154000 miles,,,$300.00,,,,, body was in good shape,, engine was a hit an miss deal,,,,, timing belt had a few broken cogs on belt,,, after we got it running , Oil pressure would drop off to zip before it got up to operating temp. sitting in the driveway,,,,,, So for a timing belt an new oil pump $200.00, Hes been driving it a little over a year now an no problems ( he keeps wanting to drop my 302 4V in it )