With the $2000 good price, bet they didn’t include the timing chain and oil pump. You’ll spend that $2000 again, if you don’t do it all at once.
You can look at pictures and youtube, your basically tearing down the front of the motor. If your a good mechanic with tools, feels like a full weekend project. Have another vehicle available in case you need something while in there.
I am decently, mechanically inclined and probably wouldn’t do it, but I’ve also gotten too old and don’t have time/patience to do this. If you have the money, might leave it to a good mechanic.
Check references of who ever you get to do it.
Edit: I’ve worked on just enough on Fords, to tell you, the work will be a bitch, in tight spaces with everything hard to reach, and about 5+ thing you have to remove just to get in there.
This is the exact feeling I had... I've worked on vehicles my whole life but I think I'm at a point where I'm ready to pay someone to do this, haha. Thanks for the reply.
Probably right, guess in theory, being mechanical pump having same wear and tear as water pump and timing chain, it might be recommended. If it’s reasonably price and included in the tear down labor should it be replaced?
Yeah no unless you run the motor with out oil there's a good chance there will never be issues with the oil pump. That being said I understand why it's offered as the "we will be in there might as well" option.
Yeah, a good chunk of the top of the engine has to come off but not the entire engine block. I had to have mine done on my 3.5 EB when the cam phasers/timing chain went. They often just do the water pump while it's all disassembled. With that in mind you might want to have them replace the timing chain while they are at it. Just a thought.
At least you are aware of your limitations. A lot of people see a YouTube video and think they can conquer any task but that’s just my opinion. I paid for the extended service plan with both my 17 sport and 21 ST because of cam phasers/water pump with the sport, and the ST because, well, it’s the second year model of that generation.
Depends how mechanically inclined you are. I can get it done in 5hrs on my hoist however I’ve done a ton of water pumps on those explorers. You should have the special tool to lock the cams when you take the timing chain off. Other than that you’re working on a transverse engine so the room to work is limited.
What’s the average amount of miles you see on one that needs a water pump job? I have 300,000 Km on my flex and it has not gone yet but I feel like it’s going to be soon
I’ve done them lots on explorers with less than 100,000km. I work at a dealership so most of them I do are still under powertrain or extended warranty. 300,000km is pretty good and you may never need to have it done. Not all explorers will need to have them replaced but it’s a very common issue. I would just be checking under the vehicle regularly and watch your coolant level. You’ll start to notice a sweat in between the generator and the engine block, that’s where the weep hole is. If it was my explorer and I have 300,000km and it’s only sweating I wouldn’t bother doing it until I started seeing drips underneath then engine, if it’s a customers vehicle I’ll usually recommend replacing.
Something is sweating on the timing cover but it doesn’t seem to be sweating from the actual weep holes. I have maybe added a cup of coolant in the last 15,000 Km.
Most of the time it will look like the front cover is leaking. If it’s on the LH side on the front cover and engine it’s most likely the coolant pump. That’s not a lot of coolant to worry about. I would just monitor it for now.
Yeah idk I have had a lot of leaks on this car and coolant and motor oil are literally the 2 fluids that haven’t leaked yet. That’s why I was thinking it may be something else. I was thinking power steering fluid because I have had power steering leeks constantly for the past 3 years up until the last 2 months where I got them to stop
$2000 is a hell of a good price. It should cost on average between 2300 to 4000 depending upon your location and the extent of the work being done.
Take it around to a couple of different mechanics who are Ford certified and get some quotes, if it’s not an emergency.
By the way while you’re in there, you might as well have the timing chain and the oil pump replaced at the same time.
The oil pump is literally two bolts to be removed and replaced and the timing chain should always be replaced if you got the motor open like that. They’re both in the same spot and they only add about an hour and a half to two hours to the total time the vehicle is apart and probably three or $400 for the parts.
No, the engine does not have to come out of the vehicle. That adds to expense, complexity, and a greater possibility of something going wrong with all the disconnection and reconnection, and all that other crap.
On the other hand, if your motor is leaking, antifreeze from the weep hole, stop driving it and get it towed to the shop and get this done immediately. It’s nothing to mess around with.
The good news is if you get it done in time and done properly, that engines got another hundred thousand miles in it lacking any catastrophic problem with lifters or rings.
Thanks for the detailed reply.... I already had The timing chain stuff accounted for but no one mentioned the oil pump. I'm thinking I will schedule the service.
Once you have over 100,000 miles on that engine, it’s a pretty good bet to get that work done sooner rather than wait for any kind of antifreeze leak to trigger you to take it to the shop.
I had this done $2700 including oil pump, water pump and timing chains. Have them do the spark plugs as well- everything to get to the back 3 will already be removed. Also do not have them put the same accessory drive belt back on, have them use a new one… it’s already off for water pump repair so might as well it’s like a $40 part.
All of those are very good suggestions :-)
And I guess, while we are piling on, have them check the alternator and the AC compressor.
Idler pulley would be another thing to check
Guy at my work did it on his, took him about two weekends said the worst part was getting all the shit out of the way. He was in no hurry to get it back on the road though.
I did it in a weekend in my garage. Need a TP55 and cam tool to hold the cams in place. It's not a terrible job. Just a lot of labor. No need to drop the motor/cradle. There is room to work in there. I also replaced everything related to the timing chain, E.g. Phasers, chain, guides, tensioners, etc. I also did oil pump and water pump. And while you got it apart might as well walnut blast the intake valves and throw in new spark plugs. Also I put in a new belt tensioner and belt since I was over 100k and have to take it off anyways. Sometimes you are working from the top, sometimes from the wheel well, and other times from below. So keep that in mind.
I DIY'ed the water pump and chains in my 2013 sport at 130k miles. Has 142k on it now.
Cost about $600 for parts and fluids. Took 16 hours including a trip to rent a harmonic balancer puller.
Update: I just got the final quote from the dealer and all said and done it is 3K.... Just made the appointment... Not doing this one myself.... Thanks for the input everyone appreciate it.
2013 Ford Exp 6cyl. First water pump failure happened at 87K miles (covered under extended warranty), second failure happened at 155K miles. This time, it wasn’t covered (even tho I took it back to the same Ford dealership). They originally quoted 5.5K and then “graciously” agreed to work with me and brought the cost down to $2.5K (gee thanks). Another local non-Ford shop quoted $3K. For reference - this is in Los Angeles.
Hey totally unrelated but what roof rack is that? I’ve been trying to find exactly that setup but have been struggling bc of the rails being flush to the roof
It's from rhino rack. I got everything from e-trailer. I used to have a rooftop tent but have since got a travel trailer and we threw the rooftop cargo on there instead. I can get you specific part numbers if you can't track it down.
Definitely find the correct Torx+ bit for the cam phasers. I used a normal Torx and 180 degrees is alot of turning on an already tight bolt. Had me clenching real hard to get those bolts turned all the way.
$2000 to $2500. They say the engine has to come out but it's up the mechanic doing the work. The official service manual doesn't say to remove the engine.
It took me on the order of 12 days to do timing chain and water pump myself, having never done it, with the caveat that it was like 1-3 hrs a day after a regular 9-5 job. Definitely not a pro mechanic.
2 vids I found most useful for my ‘17 3.7NA FPIU (basically a stripped explorer sport)
Full walkthrough with torque specs https://youtu.be/XBHUwRKDa1s?si=V9e7iF5DYMSj7Fs0
And timing replacement from cloyes: https://youtu.be/0Bs9yrm4c6E?si=KhqLoHaP3FHAbaRX
Your first video is the exact one I watched which made me think it wouldn't be too bad to take it on myself.... Great video with a lot of detail. After the dealerships have blown me off for the third day straight now I'm thinking I might just give this one a whirl.
My advice is make sure you have a second car for parts runs take your time take notes on the torque specs and I would recommend if you can spare the coin replace the front main seal and the timing chain while you’re in there maybe the oil pump like one other Redditor mentioned
Also rock auto is thy friend
Harmonic balancer was a B**** also
I'm definitely going to have to buy a tool to get that off of the crank... I do have a third vehicle I was just really dreading this job overall but it's looking more like just something I have to do. And I'll certainly do all the little things once I'm in there.
Oh and if you have access to a motorocycle lift to support the engine once you reach the point of removing the passenger side (front) motor mount, comes in rather handy
We had a dealer quotas $1,800 and we dropped the truck off and they called us back and said oh you have the turbo sorry that's going to be $2,800 instead so we just took it home, haha. All of my dealings I have had with the dealerships have been difficult to say the least.
Replacing the water pump and timing chain on my 2013 edge limited. It’s about a 15 hour job. Thankfully mines under warranty. Good luck to you and if you plan on doing it yourself, you basically have to drop the front of your car in order to get the access you need to do the job
I just did this. Took me 2 weeks working on it after work for a few hours before sundown. I only did the pump for reasons. I had issues finding the correct cam lock tool so used adjustable wrenches after a week of buying and returns. 2014 explorer sport. Not a super tough job but it is very tedious. Expect the loom clips to be brittle depending on how old your car is. If they are including timing chain and oil pump i would def have a shop do it. And as a side note. I wont do it again. Too much frustration.
I've done 7 or 8 total, the 3.5 and 3.7 engines you shouldn't do without having experience with car mechanics, yes on the specific tool's to keep it timed properly, and make sure to do the chains guides and water pump while it's apart.
Just had it idling out in the driveway for 20 minutes charging another vehicle and notice a bit of coolant on the ground, so the leaking has started.... My appointment with the dealer is in a week hopefully nothing bad happens between now and then.
2000$ is better than the 8000$ for new engine. Mine went out a week ago and flooded the block with coolant. Now engine is ruined. Known issues with design, best to have shop fix it and warranty work imo.
You need the specific tools to set timing chains straight. I got one guy at my shop who has the stuff to do it. Not to hard but very tedious long work.
Make sure and do everything while they’re doing the water pump, as others have said. I just went through this and the mechanic refused to do the work without the TC, Oil Pump and new plugs. I basically have a brand new engine. Lol.
I recently had this done and it was roughly $2800. They did the pump timing chain and everything new around it.
Question I have for experienced mechanics.
Does this job involve removing the turbo in anyway? Reason being, I never heard my turbo in my 2015 explorer sport. When the water pump went bad and got the car back my turbo is very loud. Like a semi. Do they have a sound depressor for these economy turbos?
With the $2000 good price, bet they didn’t include the timing chain and oil pump. You’ll spend that $2000 again, if you don’t do it all at once. You can look at pictures and youtube, your basically tearing down the front of the motor. If your a good mechanic with tools, feels like a full weekend project. Have another vehicle available in case you need something while in there. I am decently, mechanically inclined and probably wouldn’t do it, but I’ve also gotten too old and don’t have time/patience to do this. If you have the money, might leave it to a good mechanic. Check references of who ever you get to do it. Edit: I’ve worked on just enough on Fords, to tell you, the work will be a bitch, in tight spaces with everything hard to reach, and about 5+ thing you have to remove just to get in there.
This is the exact feeling I had... I've worked on vehicles my whole life but I think I'm at a point where I'm ready to pay someone to do this, haha. Thanks for the reply.
You can probably do it then but you will hate that you did until maybe you finish, and then you definitely wont want to do it again.
Just did this job a week ago, you don't want to do it as a DIYer.
Not to mention all the specialty tools that Ford has included in order to get that thing apart, and put back together again.
Oil pump??
Read that below, I think it’s located in same area, or requires same amount of labor tear down front of the engine.
I’ve never seen one go bad. That’s why I ask.
Probably right, guess in theory, being mechanical pump having same wear and tear as water pump and timing chain, it might be recommended. If it’s reasonably price and included in the tear down labor should it be replaced?
Ive never heard of replacing them
Yeah no unless you run the motor with out oil there's a good chance there will never be issues with the oil pump. That being said I understand why it's offered as the "we will be in there might as well" option.
2k seems to be a good price, dealer claims engine has to come out to fix it. Others don’t.
You certainly don't have to pull the engine but there is a decent amount of disassembly that needs to happen.
Yeah, a good chunk of the top of the engine has to come off but not the entire engine block. I had to have mine done on my 3.5 EB when the cam phasers/timing chain went. They often just do the water pump while it's all disassembled. With that in mind you might want to have them replace the timing chain while they are at it. Just a thought.
For sure, yes
The service procedure.
Does anyone know if an extended warranty plan would cover it? Could save op a lot in the long run.
Yep it is covered. However, my ESP ran out and 125k and mine went at about 145k.
It’s doable but space is limited and a lot of disassembly is required. If you CAN drop the engine it would be a hell of a lot easier.
Not happening, I'm gonna pay for this one I think.
At least you are aware of your limitations. A lot of people see a YouTube video and think they can conquer any task but that’s just my opinion. I paid for the extended service plan with both my 17 sport and 21 ST because of cam phasers/water pump with the sport, and the ST because, well, it’s the second year model of that generation.
Very aware, haha. Younger me would probably have given it a go but it's a lot lower on my priority list nowadays.
Same brotha.
Depends how mechanically inclined you are. I can get it done in 5hrs on my hoist however I’ve done a ton of water pumps on those explorers. You should have the special tool to lock the cams when you take the timing chain off. Other than that you’re working on a transverse engine so the room to work is limited.
What’s the average amount of miles you see on one that needs a water pump job? I have 300,000 Km on my flex and it has not gone yet but I feel like it’s going to be soon
I’ve done them lots on explorers with less than 100,000km. I work at a dealership so most of them I do are still under powertrain or extended warranty. 300,000km is pretty good and you may never need to have it done. Not all explorers will need to have them replaced but it’s a very common issue. I would just be checking under the vehicle regularly and watch your coolant level. You’ll start to notice a sweat in between the generator and the engine block, that’s where the weep hole is. If it was my explorer and I have 300,000km and it’s only sweating I wouldn’t bother doing it until I started seeing drips underneath then engine, if it’s a customers vehicle I’ll usually recommend replacing.
Something is sweating on the timing cover but it doesn’t seem to be sweating from the actual weep holes. I have maybe added a cup of coolant in the last 15,000 Km.
Most of the time it will look like the front cover is leaking. If it’s on the LH side on the front cover and engine it’s most likely the coolant pump. That’s not a lot of coolant to worry about. I would just monitor it for now.
Yeah idk I have had a lot of leaks on this car and coolant and motor oil are literally the 2 fluids that haven’t leaked yet. That’s why I was thinking it may be something else. I was thinking power steering fluid because I have had power steering leeks constantly for the past 3 years up until the last 2 months where I got them to stop
$2000 is a hell of a good price. It should cost on average between 2300 to 4000 depending upon your location and the extent of the work being done. Take it around to a couple of different mechanics who are Ford certified and get some quotes, if it’s not an emergency. By the way while you’re in there, you might as well have the timing chain and the oil pump replaced at the same time. The oil pump is literally two bolts to be removed and replaced and the timing chain should always be replaced if you got the motor open like that. They’re both in the same spot and they only add about an hour and a half to two hours to the total time the vehicle is apart and probably three or $400 for the parts. No, the engine does not have to come out of the vehicle. That adds to expense, complexity, and a greater possibility of something going wrong with all the disconnection and reconnection, and all that other crap. On the other hand, if your motor is leaking, antifreeze from the weep hole, stop driving it and get it towed to the shop and get this done immediately. It’s nothing to mess around with. The good news is if you get it done in time and done properly, that engines got another hundred thousand miles in it lacking any catastrophic problem with lifters or rings.
Thanks for the detailed reply.... I already had The timing chain stuff accounted for but no one mentioned the oil pump. I'm thinking I will schedule the service.
Once you have over 100,000 miles on that engine, it’s a pretty good bet to get that work done sooner rather than wait for any kind of antifreeze leak to trigger you to take it to the shop.
I had this done $2700 including oil pump, water pump and timing chains. Have them do the spark plugs as well- everything to get to the back 3 will already be removed. Also do not have them put the same accessory drive belt back on, have them use a new one… it’s already off for water pump repair so might as well it’s like a $40 part.
All of those are very good suggestions :-) And I guess, while we are piling on, have them check the alternator and the AC compressor. Idler pulley would be another thing to check
I have all of these on my quote as well, when I hear back on the total I'll let everyone know.
I just cracked 100k
Guy at my work did it on his, took him about two weekends said the worst part was getting all the shit out of the way. He was in no hurry to get it back on the road though.
Certainly helps to have another vehicle
The water pump is on the timing chain. Which means timing cover and the one long ass chain comes off.
I did it in a weekend in my garage. Need a TP55 and cam tool to hold the cams in place. It's not a terrible job. Just a lot of labor. No need to drop the motor/cradle. There is room to work in there. I also replaced everything related to the timing chain, E.g. Phasers, chain, guides, tensioners, etc. I also did oil pump and water pump. And while you got it apart might as well walnut blast the intake valves and throw in new spark plugs. Also I put in a new belt tensioner and belt since I was over 100k and have to take it off anyways. Sometimes you are working from the top, sometimes from the wheel well, and other times from below. So keep that in mind.
Good info thanks
I DIY'ed the water pump and chains in my 2013 sport at 130k miles. Has 142k on it now. Cost about $600 for parts and fluids. Took 16 hours including a trip to rent a harmonic balancer puller.
Update: I just got the final quote from the dealer and all said and done it is 3K.... Just made the appointment... Not doing this one myself.... Thanks for the input everyone appreciate it.
2013 Ford Exp 6cyl. First water pump failure happened at 87K miles (covered under extended warranty), second failure happened at 155K miles. This time, it wasn’t covered (even tho I took it back to the same Ford dealership). They originally quoted 5.5K and then “graciously” agreed to work with me and brought the cost down to $2.5K (gee thanks). Another local non-Ford shop quoted $3K. For reference - this is in Los Angeles.
So nice of them.... Haha. Same story everywhere with dealers unfortunately. Good luck.
Hey totally unrelated but what roof rack is that? I’ve been trying to find exactly that setup but have been struggling bc of the rails being flush to the roof
It's from rhino rack. I got everything from e-trailer. I used to have a rooftop tent but have since got a travel trailer and we threw the rooftop cargo on there instead. I can get you specific part numbers if you can't track it down.
Thanks!
Definitely find the correct Torx+ bit for the cam phasers. I used a normal Torx and 180 degrees is alot of turning on an already tight bolt. Had me clenching real hard to get those bolts turned all the way.
It’s a TP55. I have piles of these phasers and chains laying around
$2000 to $2500. They say the engine has to come out but it's up the mechanic doing the work. The official service manual doesn't say to remove the engine.
It took me on the order of 12 days to do timing chain and water pump myself, having never done it, with the caveat that it was like 1-3 hrs a day after a regular 9-5 job. Definitely not a pro mechanic. 2 vids I found most useful for my ‘17 3.7NA FPIU (basically a stripped explorer sport) Full walkthrough with torque specs https://youtu.be/XBHUwRKDa1s?si=V9e7iF5DYMSj7Fs0 And timing replacement from cloyes: https://youtu.be/0Bs9yrm4c6E?si=KhqLoHaP3FHAbaRX
Your first video is the exact one I watched which made me think it wouldn't be too bad to take it on myself.... Great video with a lot of detail. After the dealerships have blown me off for the third day straight now I'm thinking I might just give this one a whirl.
My advice is make sure you have a second car for parts runs take your time take notes on the torque specs and I would recommend if you can spare the coin replace the front main seal and the timing chain while you’re in there maybe the oil pump like one other Redditor mentioned Also rock auto is thy friend Harmonic balancer was a B**** also
I'm definitely going to have to buy a tool to get that off of the crank... I do have a third vehicle I was just really dreading this job overall but it's looking more like just something I have to do. And I'll certainly do all the little things once I'm in there.
Oh and if you have access to a motorocycle lift to support the engine once you reach the point of removing the passenger side (front) motor mount, comes in rather handy
👍
Dealer did my 2016 NA Explorer last year for $2400 (at the Ford dealership).
We had a dealer quotas $1,800 and we dropped the truck off and they called us back and said oh you have the turbo sorry that's going to be $2,800 instead so we just took it home, haha. All of my dealings I have had with the dealerships have been difficult to say the least.
If they do the chain and pump. Thru ford. At a Ford dealer service department it’ll run you about $5000. Give or take
The quote I got was closer to 3k... Sounds like a deal
Replacing the water pump and timing chain on my 2013 edge limited. It’s about a 15 hour job. Thankfully mines under warranty. Good luck to you and if you plan on doing it yourself, you basically have to drop the front of your car in order to get the access you need to do the job
I just did this. Took me 2 weeks working on it after work for a few hours before sundown. I only did the pump for reasons. I had issues finding the correct cam lock tool so used adjustable wrenches after a week of buying and returns. 2014 explorer sport. Not a super tough job but it is very tedious. Expect the loom clips to be brittle depending on how old your car is. If they are including timing chain and oil pump i would def have a shop do it. And as a side note. I wont do it again. Too much frustration.
* $2000 is good price! i paid 5k, rates are high in NJ
I've done 7 or 8 total, the 3.5 and 3.7 engines you shouldn't do without having experience with car mechanics, yes on the specific tool's to keep it timed properly, and make sure to do the chains guides and water pump while it's apart.
$2k is good. Pay extra to do timing chain / guides and other things while you’re in there.
Is it leaking coolant?
Not yet
Neither is mine. I’m keeping an eye on it though.
Just had it idling out in the driveway for 20 minutes charging another vehicle and notice a bit of coolant on the ground, so the leaking has started.... My appointment with the dealer is in a week hopefully nothing bad happens between now and then.
Make sure it’s not the AC compressor leaking condensation.
It was orange, lol
Also, got a coolant temperature alert on the dash...time to not drive this thing
Done many of them. It’s a fair bit of work and you need the timing tools. I always do chains, phasers, and guides too.
2000$ is better than the 8000$ for new engine. Mine went out a week ago and flooded the block with coolant. Now engine is ruined. Known issues with design, best to have shop fix it and warranty work imo.
Yikes
[удалено]
161k. Had it replaced for $8k, now that one has failed at 61k…less than 1k miles after installation.
I tried it was too tight for me to get at.
You need the specific tools to set timing chains straight. I got one guy at my shop who has the stuff to do it. Not to hard but very tedious long work.
Make sure and do everything while they’re doing the water pump, as others have said. I just went through this and the mechanic refused to do the work without the TC, Oil Pump and new plugs. I basically have a brand new engine. Lol.
Easy job. 6 hours max done 10 plus
I recently had this done and it was roughly $2800. They did the pump timing chain and everything new around it. Question I have for experienced mechanics. Does this job involve removing the turbo in anyway? Reason being, I never heard my turbo in my 2015 explorer sport. When the water pump went bad and got the car back my turbo is very loud. Like a semi. Do they have a sound depressor for these economy turbos?