I have a 93 Ford Explorer that I purchased from family friends for $2000 last summer which ran great when I got it. But this past November I noticed a problem that caused me and still is causing me to worry pretty bad. I was driving up a 4 lane highway without any traffic on it that has substantial grade (6% or so) and all of a sudden the engine started knocking, the power went flat, and I dropped speed as I was going across the top of the ridge. Since that time the knocking has gotten worse to where when I start the vehicle up the knocking is actually causing the vehicle to shake and I can hear something knocking inside the block. I am wondering if I blew a cylender? Or what I might have done to it and what the solution to it would be.
I did take it into the dealership, they didn't even say what was wrong with it other that I could spend $4000 and get a new engine for it, but they were suggesting not even to waste money on that and to pursue another vehicle. Is it really this terminal or is it something I could fix myself in the garage (I have alot of hands on experience in technical related things so I could do it if I have time and tools)?
Brad