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1997 Explorer Sport

This is my first time posting, and I'm hoping for some help? I have a 97 Explorer Sport with apparently serious emmisions issues... It failed it's emmissons tests, I was told because of the check engine light. I've had it about 3 years, it's got 85,000 miles on it but runs great for the most part.

The mechanic today told me that the codes (P0442, P0300 (tune up?), P0174) were serious, that I was looking at at least $1K to try to fix em. If those repairs didn't solve the issue it would cost much more. He also says that the annoying rattle the engine's been making is serious, and the only way to fix is to replace engine. Basically he told me that if it were his truck he wouldn't bother.

I love my truck, it runs fine, and I can't give up on it! I have an appointment Fri to get a second opinion, but was wondering if anyone has had any similar codes or experiences?

Thanks in advance! Sarah

Reply to
Saramelah
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Difficult to tell at this distance.... especially without knowing a little more about the truck, it's condition and some doctor/patient kind of stuff.

Annoying rattles should be addressed as soon as they appear.... they wont go away and they usually get worse financially. If this is the SOHC 4.0L, check to see if the cam tensioner updates have been done (send me your VIN off list and I can run OASIS as a starting point). Your car will likely be past the warranty extension - be aware that this job will go faster, be cheaper and have less headaches if the shop has the special tools.

P0442.... is a small leak in the evaporative emissions control system. A faulty gas cap is the likeliest suspect - if that doesn't fix it, your shop will need a smoke machine to diagnose the problem in a timely and economical manner.

P0300.... indicates a random misfire - a tune up may cure this.

P0174 indicates that the left cylinder bank is running lean..... vacuum leak, ignition troubles... there are several things that can cause this code. Be aware that P0300 might be a result of P0174 OR P0174 might be a result of P0300. Conditions to cause either one of these codes can be very similar.

I would certainly caution against going back to the original mechanic - he sounds like a bit of a cretin. Choose your mechanic wisely, much like you would choose a doctor. Poor mechanics may bid a job lower but wind up costong more in the end. Good techs will be as honest as they can about what they are doing and what they need to charge.

HTH

Reply to
Jim Warman

Hi Jim, Thanks so much for your post, I'd tried to send you my VIN but the email came back undeliverable. Anyway - you were absolutely dead-on right. I took it for a second opinion and it was the camshaft chain tensioner. They also replaced the lower intake manifold gasket, and the gas cap. All fixed for less than half of what the 1st mechanic had quoted. I'm going to drive it for a while before I take it back to be retested, make sure that engine light stays off, but you were so right I just wanted to let you know. Thanks again!

Sarah

PS - I don't suppose you know anything about the 4x4 lights blinking? The

4wd works fine, I've had two different mechanics tell me it's no big deal as long as it works, but why the blinking?? :)
Reply to
Saramelah

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