Possibly Blown Rod - Best Solutions?

[Glentract]

Hi I'm new to the forum and basically I'm looking for advice as to what I can do with my truck. It's a 2002 Ranger with the 3 liter engine. Only has 36,000 miles so not looking to scrap it or anything. It looks like the engine has blown a rod as I was mudding with some buddies and it inhaled a whole bunch of water. The engine died so I pulled it out and cranked it a few times without the spark plugs to flush the water out. The engine fired up but is shaking horribly and seems to be running very richly (can smell gas when its running).

Basically, I'm just wondering what my options are at this point. The first shop I took it to wants $4700 to replace the engine. I'm getting a second opinion tomorrow as that seems pretty high to me. Also thinking about replacing the engine myself, but I've never attempted a job that big before.

Long story short...what would yall do in my shoes? Thanks.

 

[Otto]

I'd take the upper intake off atleast to let it dry. You could of blown an electric fuel delivery component as well. I'd invest in a $25 snorkel for your new engine lol

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I would make double damn sure its a bent rod.

Sounds more like you screwed up something electronic.

Check engine light on?

later,
Dustin

 

[Glentract]

Yeah the check engine light is on. Any tell tale signs that it is a rod before I shell out a couple grand for a new engine? Is there any way that something electronic could cause the engine to shake and keep a piston from firing?

 

[Otto]

A major vacuum leak or fried eletric intake component (EGR sensor/regulator, Idle air control sensor, throttle position sensor, mass air flow, etc)

I highly doubt it's a bent rod from bringing water in. Have the computer checked. 2002 is fairly new so all the code sensors should be in good condit.

 

[Glentract]

Wow that would be awesome if that's all that is wrong.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Might of even damaged the coil pack.

Get the codes pulled.

I dont really know of any way to check for a bent rod besides pulling the oil pan.

later,
Dustin

 

[Glentract]

So I now know for sure that it threw a rod and the engine has to be replaced. The money they want to do it is way to much for me to pay right now so looks like I have to do it myself. I know there is a V-8 conversion forum (hell, if I need a new engine might as well upgrade) but I'm going to go ahead and ask here what yall would guess would be the total cost of a swap to a 5.0 liter Explorer V-8 from the 3.0 liter? Could just the engine be replaced or would a bunch of other stuff need replacing too?

 

[Southern3.0]

How do you know for sure its bent rod?

 

[Glentract]

The Ford place I took it to put a periscope in it and there was metal fragments. It didn't surprise me given that I might as well have poured a bathtub of muddy water in there. So any guesses on the cost of swapping a 5.0 in there myself?

 

[Otto]

My bad, I thought you meant a lifter rod. So the compression from all the water busted a piston arm? Damn...lol

 

[Glentract]

Yeah it sucks. So any guesses on the cost of a v-8 explorer swap? Its about 3 grand to put a new 3.0 if I do it myself so same ball park?

 

[Southern3.0]

$3000 to replace 3.0 in your truck your self? No way.

I put a new 4.6 in my F-150, the engine cost me $900 at LKQ, about $100 for gaskets, fluids and whatnot. Then I sold the old block and heads for $200

Check http://www.car-part.com/ You should be able to find a 3.0 for about $500, then spend a weekend switching it out.

If your dead set on the Explorer V8 swap I know theirs a write up on it here or on RPS.

 

[Half Nuts]

just to chime in here,
Swapping up to a 5.0 is going to be a LOT more than just putting in a fresh 3.0.
You'd need most of the old exploder to start with, and you'd be changing out your engine, transmission, computer, and drive shaft (I'm only mostly sure of that). After all that, I think you need to change out the gauge cluster to work w/ the v8, and your front suspension will sag under the heavier motor (unless you feel like upgrading that, too).
Go w/ the 3.0.
If you've got time, get a gently used one and do some porting on the heads, find some wide-ratio roller lifters and a big-bore TB.
You'll be glad you did.

 

[Glentract]

Okay, I'm giving up on the 5.0 idea. Is the 4.0 swap difficult?