Any mechanics?

james40

Get home from work trip and notice a sound coming from wife's car. Take it to dealer and they say the oil pressure is dropping. Nothing they can do except replace the whole engine. My first thought was the oil pump faulty? Apparantly it's a problem in the block but I don't understand how that can be determined. Getting a second opinion tomorrow. There have been no warning signs, it's regularly maintained and before this the engine sounded like it did when it was brand new. 2003 Ford Explorer with 164625 miles. Any technical advice much appreciated.

0patience

taythegibs

j0z3r

0patience

Amos Umwhat

james40

jlmarta

FYI, it's always been my experience that having a dealer work on your car is the most expensive way to go. Ask your friends, neighbors, etc, for a reference to a mechanic they trust - but not a dealer.

taythegibs

0patience

xmacro

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dennisking

There are service bulletins for spark knock on the 4.0 and 4.6 that can be fixed using the Ford supplied PM3 chemical for decarbon purposes. I've personally heard those motors make that noise at higher miles. I would make sure that's not the case first. I've only had those motors fail from neglect or oil pump failure. If your pump failed, you should have less pressure at idle than 19 since spec is 15psi at 2000rpm.

0patience

james40

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dennisking

james40

The Kid

Roberto99

xmacro

dennisking

Roberto99

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Roberto99

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taythegibs

Hey man, any updates on your Explorer? Hoping for the best for you! I had a really weird dream about it last night... apparently you swapped in a 429 in the thing and drag raced it. lol

james40

0patience

james40

taythegibs:

Hey man, any updates on your Explorer? Hoping for the best for you! I had a really weird dream about it last night... apparently you swapped in a 429 in the thing and drag raced it. lol

Just saw your engine upgrade and race comments...haha. Oh, I need your address since I missed your pass.

james40

No problems at all besides the exhaust leak. They recommend picking it up as they hear no internal engine noise. Thanks for the help, hopefully this is the real problem.