Technical Advice on Explorer Needed (Pics)

[AgPete139]

Hey TRSers,

I am getting a FREE 1998 Explorer 4.0L auto today. 70,xxx miles

However, I believe it had the cruise control short (without the fuse added) and it had an engine fire. I tried looking through the threads for solutions on how to drive it off the lot, and I have not seen the actual SUV yet.

Any suggestions on how to get it back to running status? What do I need to look out for in these cases?


Pete

 

[engdept]

If it had an engine fire, you more than likely will have to replace the entire engine wiring harness and whatever other plastic pieces melted during the fire.

 

[metalmacguyver]

A trailer and another truck will be needed unless they will let you work on it in thier shop. A tow dolly is also an option if your not going too far.

Dont try to rush fixing it as you will run into other issues. Since there was a fire, I would expect that you will need all new wiring harnesses up front.

What is the status of the title? Its not a salvage right? I have heard that salvage titles are a PITA to deal with.

 

[engdept]

and you obviously need an new window and hood ;-)

 

[v-8power]

As far as i know. Once metal has been burned you won't be able to get paint to stick to it.

 

[AgPete139]

I just played around on ExplorerForums, and the source was definitely a red sensor of a 9/16" size on the brake cylinder. Im hoping I don't need to source another harness, and obviously the window and hood are FUBAR. lol

Just talked to owner, and his insurance claimed it as totalled. So, it's a loss on their part. I'm thinking fuse box, the surrounding vacuum hoses, and the brake booster are fucked as well.

Thanks for the replies. I'll give an update tonight.

Pete

 

[almostclueless]

I'm betting there are a lot of potentially scrwed up electrical items on that truck and it may only be worthwhile to try to salvage the driveline, interior, and body from the windshield back.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Totalled in some areas still doesn't mean a salvage title though, in my area that only comes into play if it is actually junked before it resurected.

I would say likely a harness, brake lines / master cylinder, two fenders, hood and a window to be 100% roadworthy again.

The instrument cluster looks smoked too, if it in fact is and it got that far inside the dash... I would save myself the stress and just part it out and buy one ready to go.

 

[REDRUM]

That little red piece you are talking about was a RECALL. I just had mine replaced last week. They recalled them cause they would leak and start fires. It was part of the cruise control mounted on the master cylinder.

 

[Bent Bolt]

The fire has gotten into the dash. I can see the smoke damage on the dash. Have a look under the instrument cluster by the pedals. Betcha it's torched and melted. Plus you'd need all the underhood harness and parts.

The truck maybe free but you'll spend a lot time and money to get it running. Buy a similar running truck and use this one for parts.

My $0.02 .

 

[exbass94]

Which 4.0 does this have? In 1998, the OHV was standard and the SOHC was an option. The SOHC still had problems with the timing chain tensioners in 1998.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Which 4.0 does this have? In 1998, the OHV was standard and the SOHC was an option. The SOHC still had problems with the timing chain tensioners in 1998.

If it survived this long with the early 4.0 SOHC it has probably been fixed though.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

After you get it fixed up. Have the recall (05S28)performed on it. You'll need the jumper harness and a new switch.

That wire is constant power, And when that switch leaks it shorts out. The new harnes just goes inbetween the switch and the truck hrness and has a fuse in it.

As for the damage I would look for a parts truck

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

After you get it fixed up. Have the recall (05S28)performed on it. You'll need the jumper harness and a new switch.

That wire is constant power, And when that switch leaks it shorts out. The new harnes just goes inbetween the switch and the truck hrness and has a fuse in it.

As for the damage I would look for a parts truck

For the damage this IS a parts truck. You can see where the clear part of the gauges and the dash itself is discolored (didn't notice that before) They are lucky the whole thing didn't go up.

For the recall, if the existing switch is a leaker you get a new "improved" switch, no fused jumper is needed. For some reason I just got the new switch on my F-150 though... I ain't complaining.

 

[Shran]

I'd take a serious look under the hood at what got burnt. Everything is fixable...but how much coin you have to spend is a big factor. From the pics I'd definitely not spend too much on that one.

Did it get hit in the front too or something? Why's the hood all bent?