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My neighbor recently had her '92(ish) Ford Explorer motor blow up on her. She took it to a local dealership who, of course, wanted to stick it to her to the tune of about $6-8K for a replacement (admittedly, a new one). So I told her I'd ask around to see if I could find out anything about getting a rebuild job done. Are there any auto mechanics out there familiar with doing this kind of work and have a guesstimate on what it might cost? Thanks guys.
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where are you located in the IE??
yea i need a new o2 sensor for my truck... hook me up.
92 Explorer.
Find cliff.
Push over cliff.
Option 2:
Sell Explorer $500 as is.
Find used Explorer avg $3K
If the engine can be rebuilt, look up Gold Coast Motors. It will save you a lot, but I wonder if it's worthwhile for even half that.
92 Explorer.
Find cliff.
Push over cliff.
Option 2:
Sell Explorer $500 as is.
Find used Explorer avg $3K+1
How many miles are on the engine?
My neighbor recently had her '92(ish) Ford Explorer motor blow up on her. She took it to a local dealership who, of course, wanted to stick it to her to the tune of about $6-8K for a replacement (admittedly, a new one). So I told her I'd ask around to see if I could find out anything about getting a rebuild job done. Are there any auto mechanics out there familiar with doing this kind of work and have a guesstimate on what it might cost? Thanks guys.
don't do it. i work in a shop, and we deal with a lot of engine rebuild shops and dealers. sounds outragous.
she can honestly buy a newer explorer for 6-8k, a decent one too.
unless whoever has some attachment to that van.
You'll have to be more specific than "motor blew up." You never want to get work on an older car done at a dealer - but definitely never spend $6,000 to fix a $2-3,000 truck.
Unless you drove it with no oil and the engine seized, there's no reason that you should ever have to buy an entire new engine.
They have been prone to blowing spark plugs out of the aluminum block. There is a insert that someone with basic mechanical skills can do for $80 for a kit, $300 for a mech, to fix. But Blow up is too general to give adequate advice if it' anything else. Repair price quoted will buy you a used one that runs.
With the price of fuel, I'd dump the Explorer (and we have a 02 V6 Explorer).
Your other options are this website:
http://www.explorerforum.com/ perhaps the best Explorer forum around
or
buy a used engine and have it installed. However you are still looking at budgeting $2,000.
Say you bought the engine used for $700 or $800, the mechanic is going to get into the engine swap and he'll find stuff.....which will lead to other stuff. First it'll need a set of freeze plugs, then he'll say, ya know the engine is out, why not change the rear main seal? Even if you can find a guy out in the IE that will swap the engine for $750 you'll get hit with add on's. The only way I'd do this is find a very low mileage wrecked Explorer, pull the engine and sell off the balance for parts. Its a PIA.
or
Save your money, wait two years for this new 100+ MPG car coming from Europe. Darn right its a diesel. Pretty cool looking too!
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=457882
92 Explorer.
Find cliff.
Push over cliff.
Option 2:
Sell Explorer $500 as is.
Find used Explorer avg $3K
+2 million and 1
put it one craiglist or something and get something else, I wouldn't put a dime else into it if the motor already popped.
They have been prone to blowing spark plugs out of the aluminum block. There is a insert that someone with basic mechanical skills can do for $80 for a kit, $300 for a mech, to fix. But Blow up is too general to give adequate advice if it' anything else. Repair price quoted will buy you a used one that runs.
The spark plugs are in the heads! A 92 Explorer with average miles would be close to 200K on the odo. Not really worth putting an engine in, even if it's clean for it's age. If you insist, go rebuilt. Any used engine that will fit that car will be old, as well.
where are you located in the IE??
Riverside
92 Explorer.
Find cliff.
Push over cliff.
Option 2:
Sell Explorer $500 as is.
Find used Explorer avg $3K
And to the other guys that agreed, I'm not saying I'd do anything different, but she's attached to the car and it is super clean. I think it has around 200K on it, but it's pretty nice and she said she'd be willing to spend some money to get it running again, just not that much. The dealership offered her $1500 for it, told her she'd be better off parting it out or selling private party.
You'll have to be more specific than "motor blew up." You never want to get work on an older car done at a dealer - but definitely never spend $6,000 to fix a $2-3,000 truck.
I don't remember what she said exactly, but I think a couple of the pistons were hosed and she was getting piston slap + valve issues. I'd have to check w/ her again.
buy a used engine and have it installed. However you are still looking at budgeting $2,000.
I think that's exactly what she was talking about, so I told her I'd ask around to find someone to do it, or at least get an estimate. I guess in the end I'm just trying to help her out and let her know if she should give up the ghost and just private party it to get it out of her driveway or tell her it's going to cost X to fix.
I know the best mechanic / auto body / etc. guy around: our buddy Marcus. In fact, why the hell am I responding here when you live right down the street?? {shakes head}
yea i need a new oe o2 sensor for my truck... hook me up.
c'mon.
And to the other guys that agreed, I'm not saying I'd do anything different, but she's attached to the car and it is super clean. I think it has around 200K on it, but it's pretty nice and she said she'd be willing to spend some money to get it running again, just not that much. The dealership offered her $1500 for it, told her she'd be better off parting it out or selling private party.
I don't remember what she said exactly, but I think a couple of the pistons were hosed and she was getting piston slap + valve issues. I'd have to check w/ her again.
I think that's exactly what she was talking about, so I told her I'd ask around to find someone to do it, or at least get an estimate. I guess in the end I'm just trying to help her out and let her know if she should give up the ghost and just private party it to get it out of her driveway or tell her it's going to cost X to fix.
Shop around some shops that rebuild engines. Try to find one with a good reputation and good guarantee.
Anything used that will fit that truck will be at least 13 years old. If she wants to keep it and put some miles on it, go rebuilt. Then you will probably have to rebuild the transmission, front and rear ends, brakes, etc., unless that stuff has been done.
c'mon.
Dude, go to the dealer and buy one, then put it in the truck.
Dude, go to the dealer and buy one, then put it in the truck.
Abracadabra.
Dude, go to the dealer and buy one, then put it in the truck.Online! Online!
Dealer charges you MSRP! It cost me $500+ for an O2 sensor change at the dealer (Acura; parts and labor). The price of the part online is only about $100-$200 for my car (online discount). I think the MSRP (and what I paid at the dealership for the parts), is $350 or something. My friend's BMW got a bad O2 sensor a week after mine, and it cost him ~$150 (online parts); he did the swap himself.
This assumes you have a safe way of going beneath your car though.
Ditch the car, ride a bike...:D
sorry :p
*ask me how...
My neighbor recently had her '92(ish) Ford Explorer motor blow up on her. She took it to a local dealership who, of course, wanted to stick it to her to the tune of about $6-8K for a replacement (admittedly, a new one). So I told her I'd ask around to see if I could find out anything about getting a rebuild job done. Are there any auto mechanics out there familiar with doing this kind of work and have a guesstimate on what it might cost? Thanks guys.
As mentioned by others, it's cheaper to buy another one at that price or save up a few more thousand and get a "new" Scion xB if she likes a box, but with better gas mileage. Doubt very much the dealership will order a crate motor (although at that price it better be a crate motor), but more likely it's a rebuilt engine...either a factory rebuilt or outsourced Ford approved engine rebuild. That's what the local Ford/Mercury dealer ordered when they replaced the engine in my car a few years ago. Plus the engine didn't have the same power or gas mileage as the original engine...in hindsight, what a waste of money and they didn't even recharge the a/c or put all the parts back on (dust covers, splash shields, etc). Went back to get the parts but they dumped it already and wanted to charge me to recharge/refill the a/c. Last Ford/Mercury I will ever buy.
From what you mentioned sounds like timing belt went!. I just changed my timing belt and water pump on our honda last weekend spent $90 parts and 4 hr of my time saved me $300+ labor.
6-8k sounds a little excesive for a ford rebuild! when you say blew up just what has gone in the motor? But in any case find a good local shop that can replace the motor. You can pickup a rebuilt long block for around $1500 depending on the exact model. Check out this place for the exact price on the engine needed. I'm sure you can find a good shop on Riverside but if not I have a few friends out here in the South Bay area here at the end of the 91 fwy
Look up the needed motor here http://www.rockauto.com great prices on parts.
ddave look up your o2 sensor also. :)
I had a motor replaced once. The car never quite worked the same.
Not worth it. Get a new car.
Last Ford/Mercury I will ever buy.
Don't blame Ford because you got shafted by a dealer, it's not Ford's fault. I have been working at car dealers for years and some are good, some not so good.
If an engine was replaced correctly, it should run as well as the original engine.
No dealer I have worked at would EVER install a rebuilt engine. G.M. used to have remanufactured engines, but no more. We only install new engines, and they do cost 5-6k.
BTW, a 92 Explorer doesn't have a timing belt.
Rebuilding is very seldom done anymore. Just replace with a new crate motor. Might be better off finding a good used car.
Dude, go to the dealer and buy one, then put it in the truck.
WOW IS IT THAT EASY?
i was hoping someone could get it for me for less than two bills.
Get (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/579786544.html) another (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pts/572784329.html) engine (http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/581435989.html) and (http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/581465278.html) DIY (http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/pts/580141109.html).
WOW IS IT THAT EASY?
i was hoping someone could get it for me for less than two bills.
What truck are you talking about? If it's a G.M. vehicle, I can get them at a discount, or you might be able to find a parts distributor in your area. For example, the local AC Delco distributor is a warehouse called Kay Automotive. They stock the electronic parts and sell to the public cheaper than you get the same part from the dealer. Some parts stores also sell OEM parts. Don't trust aftermarket O2 sensors.
BTW, G.M. O2 sensors run from <$50 for the oldest style to around $150 for the broadband sensors.
Imported car prices are usually higher.
they aren't called Exploders for nothing....
From what you mentioned sounds like timing belt went!. I just changed my timing belt and water pump on our honda last weekend spent $90 parts and 4 hr of my time saved me $300+ labor.
If the timing belt went, the engine won't run anymore. Someone mentioned that Explorers don't have belts (chains instead), so that's out.
Honda's are actually the only cars I know of that can survive a timing belt breaking. Usually, when that happens, your valves and pistons get out of sequence, and your pistons hammer your valves into the head - rebuild time! But Honda's have grooves in the pistons, so you can just slap on another belt, make sure everything's timed, and fire it up again.
Back to your Explorer, also - is it a 4-cylinder or a V-6? Does the engine still run?
If the timing belt went, the engine won't run anymore. Someone mentioned that Explorers don't have belts (chains instead), so that's out.
Honda's are actually the only cars I know of that can survive a timing belt breaking. Usually, when that happens, your valves and pistons get out of sequence, and your pistons hammer your valves into the head - rebuild time! But Honda's have grooves in the pistons, so you can just slap on another belt, make sure everything's timed, and fire it up again.
Back to your Explorer, also - is it a 4-cylinder or a V-6? Does the engine still run?
Chains can break,too. Engines whose pistons caress the valves when they lose cam timing are called interference engines, or "hitters". This is a function of design related to compression ratio, and performance. Most engines are not hitters.
No 4 cylinder Explorers.
I'm surprised that they don't make 4-cylinder explorers - It's a small enough package that a 4-cylinder model could help them lower the price significantly for an "entry model." But then - I'll never accuse any American auto manufacturers of "smart marketing."
Interesting about the "hitters." A buddy of mine back in the day had a 240Z (inline 6) that he bought a rebuilt head for. He installed it and timed it incorrectly - then cranked the engine and hammered all the valves back in. Back to the shop!
Another thought - if your engine is crapping out, the auto transmission is probably nearing the end of its life, too. (I'm assuming you've got 6-digit milage on the car) No sense fixing the engine to good as new if the trans. is going to die on you soon.
Thanks for all the responses guys (and sorry for being late catching up). At this point I told her she'd just be better selling it off for parts, private partying the whole truck or donating it to charity. From everyone I've talked to it seems like she's looking at a minimum of $1500-2K and even with her attachment to it, that's just dumb. Especially considering she bought a new ride already and has a little Nissan truck sitting in the driveway as well. Appreciate all the input from you guys.
From everyone I've talked to it seems like she's looking at a minimum of $1500-2K and even with her attachment to it, that's just dumb.God bless auto mechanics, they put con artists to shame. :D
God bless auto mechanics, they put con artists to shame. :D
And what do you do? We all don't fit that stereotype. It's a tough, thankless job with no benefits,(most of us), no retirement, constantly changing technology, thousands of dollars for our tools, suffering in the heat, suffering in the cold and rain, injuries to the hands and back, and competition from younger guys for the little piece of the pie we get. We (most of us) work straight commission, so, on a slow day, we make nothing. Deal with that for 35 years, then tell me how you feel.
Sure, there are dishonest, agressive jerks in my business, but we don't hold a monopoly on greed.
And what do you do? We all don't fit that stereotype. It's a tough, thankless job with no benefits,(most of us), no retirement, constantly changing technology, thousands of dollars for our tools, suffering in the heat, suffering in the cold and rain, injuries to the hands and back, and competition from younger guys for the little piece of the pie we get. We (most of us) work straight commission, so, on a slow day, we make nothing. Deal with that for 35 years, then tell me how you feel.
Sure, there are dishonest, agressive jerks in my business, but we don't hold a monopoly on greed.
Nice rant...you have my sympathy my Dad was a diesel mechanic...
God bless auto mechanics, they put con artists to shame. :D
The guys at Jiffy Lube that tell you to buy a new air filter ever 3000 miles are not mechanics. The guy that would put a new engine in a Explorer for $2k is and they have my respect.
If she can do it for $2k, then it's worth looking at. Yes, the life of the transmission and rest of the running gear has to be taken into account. If everything is shot, then get rid of it. If the engine died prematurely, then stick a rebuilt/reman one in and get another year out of the old beast. If nothing else craps out, then it'll be a relatively cheap fix and the resale value of a running car (as opposed to what you have now) is going to be way better.
The guys at Jiffy Lube that tell you to buy a new air filter ever 3000 miles are not mechanics. The guy that would put a new engine in a Explorer for $2k is and they have my respect.
The first (and only) time I took my car to Jiffy Lube, the guy pulled out my air filter and waved it in front of me to show me how "dirty" it was. (it was brand new - I replaced it the day before.)
And what do you do? We all don't fit that stereotype. It's a tough, thankless job with no benefits,(most of us), no retirement, constantly changing technology, thousands of dollars for our tools, suffering in the heat, suffering in the cold and rain, injuries to the hands and back, and competition from younger guys for the little piece of the pie we get. We (most of us) work straight commission, so, on a slow day, we make nothing. Deal with that for 35 years, then tell me how you feel.
Sure, there are dishonest, agressive jerks in my business, but we don't hold a monopoly on greed.I do nothing. And of course not everybody fits what I would consider to be that stereotype. However, a grand or two to drop in an engine, IMO, is exorbitant. A lot of jobs are tough and thankless, with worse or similar pay and benefits/risks, but that still isn't justification for overcharging IMO. And along the lines of what ya said, I consider a lot of professions to be overcompensated, due to, like ya mentioned, greed.
The guy that would put a new engine in a Explorer for $2k is and they have my respect.$2k for a new engine would be a good deal, however according to what the OP said, with that as a minimum, I don't think it would come with a new engine since they run more than that from the factory IIRC. The cost really depends on what exactly is wrong, so I can't say fer sure, but given that a used running engine could be had in the area for a few hundred, I'm guessing it was a few hundred for the engine and a grand or so for the install, which IMO is overcharging.
$2,000 is a good budget number for a used engine PLUS installation. Budget number, there is bound to be things that come up. You are naive to think that one could buy a used engine for $500, pay $1000 to have it installed and not have some other issues come up. Gaskets, freeze plugs, front and rear main seals, belts, oil, filters, valve cover gaskets etc etc.
For a Ford V-6 or V-8 Explorer, I think $1000 to $1,200 is a good number for labor only. Its not cheap, its not a South Central or East LA hack shop price. Not a dealer price either.
Maybe this is all word play and we are trying to say the same thing. But its safer to budget for a higher number. BTW an Explorer with that many miles on an original transmission, is on a very very limited life span. If Ford could invest $10 more in that transmission it would last much longer......P.O.S.....and I own a 2002!
As mentioned, dump the vehicle, its due for a transmission too.
Why would ya go through all the trouble of replacing all the gaskets/seals/etc w/o a rebuild/refresh? That's very labor intensive, and doing it w/o replacing bearings/rings/whatever else needs it seems kinda silly IMO. Given that rebuilt long blocks are available for ~$500 hundred more than most good used engines, I think that going that route and just paying a mechanic $400-600 to put the trim on/drop the engine in would be better than paying an extra $500 to disassemble everything and put new gaskets/seals/etc on.
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