Emergency situation

[SnikPlosskin]

Had a misfire issue on my Explorer, code said "bad crank sensor" took it to the dealer for the $250 repair and find out the intake needs replaced - $2000 to get started. Seems it was leaking coolant into the coil pack which fried - causing misfire condition.

The emergency is that we really depend on this vehicle. It's the only one with enough seats for the three of us. And it happens at a time when we are just about penniless. :sadangel:

So, it looks like I'll be replacing the intake manifold myself. Most complex job I've ever attempted. There are hoses and wires COVERING that mofo.

My other car has a bad AC compressor which will cost $1500 to replace. Unless I do that myself too.

I pinged a few folks to see if they might come over and help this Saturday.

This sucks so badly. Anyone in the Austin area care to dive into that mess?

[Stangkiller]

That sucks Pete, the manifold shouldn't be too big of a deal. Neither should the AC compressor, you just need a friend with a vacuum pump.

[MrPeabody]

You'll know you've done it right if there's a few parts left over when you're done. That's how it always works out. I think they build cars with extra parts that aren't really needed. I've proven this several times.:leaving:

[Kevin_73]

If I lived closer I would be happy to help (I even have a vacuum pump), but the four hour commute is a little too far out of the way.

:sadangel:

[Montehall]

If you were closer to Houston...

[SnikPlosskin]

That sucks Pete, the manifold shouldn't be too big of a deal. Neither should the AC compressor, you just need a friend with a vacuum pump.

So many hoses....and wires....

I'm not going to worry about the AC just yet. That will be a bear just because it's hard to get to. I guess you go through the front pass fender well. I may take it to a shop to get the freon evacuated.

Do I need the vac pump to put new freon in?

I think the intake issue is more about all the damn connections. I got all the parts ($300 or so). I'll be taking photos and labeling stuff. I just know half the electrical connectors will fall apart due to brittleness.

Feck. Me.

[MrPeabody]

Pictures and labeling are good ideas. Here's another simple thing that can save a lot of trouble. Before you start working lay a blanket on the floor under the engine compartment. That makes it easier to retrieve dropped items and keeps them from bouncing and rolling away on the hard floor.

[Jeff '79]

So many hoses....and wires....

I'm not going to worry about the AC just yet. That will be a bear just because it's hard to get to. I guess you go through the front pass fender well. I may take it to a shop to get the freon evacuated.

Do I need the vac pump to put new freon in?

I think the intake issue is more about all the damn connections. I got all the parts ($300 or so). I'll be taking photos and labeling stuff. I just know half the electrical connectors will fall apart due to brittleness.

Feck. Me.

Good move, taking a lot of close up pics.....:yesnod:

Dude.... If I sent you $1500,00, would that help?

[StaticCling]

I would help you if I lived nearby. Best of luck.

FWIW, I had the Intake Manifold replaced on my '03 Mustang about 6 or 7 years ago for 800 bucks. The intake cracked at the thermostat housing. The replacement developed a leak in the same spot about 50k later...That's when I dumped the car. I guess Ford can't make a decent Intake Manifold.

[SnikPlosskin]

Good move, taking a lot of close up pics.....:yesnod:

Dude.... If I sent you $1500,00, would that help?

Barn Bucks probably won't help.

I would help you if I lived nearby. Best of luck.

FWIW, I had the Intake Manifold replaced on my '03 Mustang about 6 or 7 years ago for 800 bucks. The intake cracked at the thermostat housing. The replacement developed a leak in the same spot about 50k later...That's when I dumped the car. I guess Ford can't make a decent Intake Manifold.

This is true. I bought an aftermarket one. The mfg (Dormer) did some redesign work to fix some of the issues. Ford really didn't get the design right on the OEM one.

[Bill]

Barn Bucks probably won't help.





You are shopping at the wrong kind of stores, apparently.

I'm too far, but wish you the best of luck in your repairs.

[Stangkiller]

Yes, you must vacuum the system and probably replace your drier before putting new freon in.

[justind]

If it is a 4.0 it is not too bad. I did one a year ago for that exact reason leaking coolant from the rear. I just used tape to label the wires before I took them off and the spark plug wires as well. The air con is a bit more difficult without the proper equipment. Vac pump, gauges, scale, jug of 134a. The intake gaskets on the other hand should not be too bad I managed in 5 or so hours start to tools put away.

[SnikPlosskin]

ZOMG! Chris Fowler for the win!

[Jeff '79]

ZOMG! Chris Fowler for the win!

:waiting:

[Chris Fowler]

ZOMG! Chris Fowler for the win!
Don't judge the win until the car is actually running.

I said I'd help.

I never said I know what I'm doing. :rofl:

[Jeff '79]

Don't judge the win until the car is actually running.

I said I'd help.

I never said I know what I'm doing. :rofl:

That's really big of you Chris....:clap:

One thing that I would definitely request though, is a red head in a bikini to be present all the while that you are working on the car....:yesnod:

[SnikPlosskin]

Don't judge the win until the car is actually running.

I said I'd help.

I never said I know what I'm doing. :rofl:

That makes two of us! The blind leading the blind. Awesome.

[SnikPlosskin]

That's really big of you Chris....:clap:

One thing that I would definitely request though, is a red head in a bikini to be present all the while that you are working on the car....:yesnod:

You realize that would not be difficult to make happen...:leaving:

[Doug28450]

I will be happy to provide moral support for you and Chris. :seasix:

[JRD77VET]

What year Explorer? Maybe Tim ( Island 14 ) can get you an online manual :yesnod: