Dam January 15, 2015, 09:33:45 PM We have a customer with an explorer. 1998. It had a very unusual issue. It used to crank fine then act like the timing was advanced and started to lug before starting. We checked everything no codes and of course no timing as it is electronic. Well today we got a call and the car finally busted the starter drive. O we are at a loss to what is wrong with this car. Me and my head mechanic discussed it and we seem to be on the same page as it is Hydro locking. But why?? It is not coolant because it has lost none. maybe an injector but it never ran rough after starting. it is a 4.0 overhead cam engine. Sorry to say it is a very nice car and to be honest we are at a dead end. the dealer has no clue either. Any input appreciated thanks. We think the injectors are dumping. But why not every time and why does it run perfectly after starting it. just to be clear it cranks normal then just before starting it tries to crank hard and you can hear it back kicking before it starts. And it is very inconsistent. It can go for months or days no rhyme or reason, Thoughts gentlemen Quote Selected
Dam Reply #1 – January 15, 2015, 09:41:00 PM Any codes?I'd have to say the issue is the 4.0...sorry, had to. I've worked on a couple. What absolute shiznit. Quote Selected
Dam Reply #2 – January 15, 2015, 10:15:33 PM That i know thanks. But i have to think this can be fixed. But what is happening i do not know. I am being honest. this one stumped me. Quote Selected
Dam Reply #3 – January 15, 2015, 10:45:06 PM 1997-2002 SOHC 4.0's had issues with the timing chain guides, the OHV was better, although for longevity, you can't beat the 2.3/2.5 or 3.0. Quote Selected
Dam Reply #4 – January 15, 2015, 11:26:27 PM How do the injectors receive the signal to fire during startup on these? Quote Selected
Dam Reply #5 – January 16, 2015, 04:33:16 AM Key off, disconnect the MAF, and retry the startup. Quote Selected
Dam Reply #6 – January 16, 2015, 05:29:37 AM Right now i am fighting to install a new starter. What a bitch. But i do not want to mess that one up so trouble shooting is going to be very hard without a game plan. I do not want to bust up another starter Quote Selected