Nine problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal noise emitted from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing, who stated the timing belt failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.
The timing chain tensioner inside of the engine failed, causing the timing chain to come loose. As a result heads and pistons inside of the engine came loose, destroying other parts inside of the engine. The ultimate result of this was that the engine seized and the vehicle lost power, making it difficult to steer at highway speed prior to getting off of the highway. Manufacturer has a waranty extension in place prior to 72,000 miles, but no recall, and considers a vehicle that looses power and cannot be completed steered as a result of an explosion in the engine not to be a safety issue!?!?!? the manufacturer acknowledged that there is a potential problem with these engines, but will only do something about it if the vehicle has symptoms. I had the first minor symptom on a Sunday afternoon, and a major problem the next day, Monday.
The harmonic balancer came loose and the camshaft had broken right at the engine block. Consumer was given an option by the dealer to either overhaul the engine, with no warranty, or replace the engine, with a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. A service technician found out that upon inspecting the harmonic balancer camshaft area that the long bolt holding the pulley to the camshaft was never tightened was able to removed with the technician's fingers. In addition, the bolt should have some markings on it consistent with an impact wrench. It was confirmed that the bolt would have been removed in order to replace the timing chain. When engine was replaced and performed additional test on vehicle, dealer found a small fuel line leak. Fuel line was repaired and made another test on vehicle. Consumer currently seeking reimbursement of all expenses incurred due to mechanical error that rendered vehicle inoperable.
Have been hearing loud tapping noises from engine-brought it to stadium Ford and was told it was front timing chain and gaskets which they replaced for $300 (no discount) noise has continued so never brought car home from dealership same day. Left car at Ford service center (stadium auto mall rutherford, NJ) and now being told it is the lower/rear tensioner and was advised Ford has a program for this defect yet was advised that they will not cover this for me. They want me to pay $2100 minimum to repair this defect with camshaft tensioners. However this defect/problem has previously shown to cause engine dmage other than w/the tensioners. Also read many complaints about this issue where was covered. Made complaint w/Ford customer relations and was advised that car w/either 7 years or under 100,000 miles is covered. Yet the dealership will not cover it and my truck is under 7 yrs and under 100,000 miles. . . At this point has been 3 weeks and still have not come to resolution and my truck is still in the dealership service center. Still waiting for manager/owner to contact me back. . .
2nd time this happened. . . Tensioner pulley failed (broke off) while driving on the highway. Serpentine belt came off, car overheated/engine failure/etc. First time was ay 40,000 miles. This time, at 102,000 miles. Towed to a texaco station in aberdeen, MD. Service manager says tensioner pulley failure common in Explorers. Had to replace pulley/belt. Once I returned home to NJ, I started to notice minor dripping of radiator fluid. 2 weeks later, it all gushed out, causing me to also replace my radiator. To know this has now happened twice, caused secondary damage both times, and that you get left stranded on a highway each time is very concerning.
Engine failure due to camshaft pulley. Dealer notified and replaced engine under Ford program. Please feel free to provide any further details concerning this matter .
While traveling at 15 mph vehicle died. Took to a dealer and they said camshaft went into motor. Two months before that van pulley split open, and vehicle cut off.
Heard a lound noise while driving vehicle. Noises were coming from under the hood. Checked under the hood & noticed engine pulley was loose. Took vehicle to dealer & pulley was about to fall off.
Drive belt continually makes noise, replacement necessary to stop noise. Mjs.