My 2003 Ford Explorer XLT V8 5.4l had a dry oil stick, added 5 qts of oil, drove it for the evening and all of a sudden a really loud knocking started. Did it blow a piston?

40

Asked by HiresHouse Aug 17, 2016 at 12:15 PM about the 2003 Ford Explorer XLT V8 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The engine still starts after a long crank.  The knocking is coming from deep
inside the engine.  Is it worth fixing?

6 Answers

158,955

It likely has a ruined crankshaft or rod bearing...or several. Pistons and or cylinder walls could be scuffed also. If it is knocking and was run very low on oil the end result will not be good.

2 people found this helpful.
158,955

Are you sure that your Explorer has a 5.4 engine? Or this this an Expedition? No matter the above still applies.

2 people found this helpful.
40

It is a V8 . . 4.5L I think . . regardless, would the cost of repair cost more than $1,000?

2 people found this helpful.
158,955

If it is a V8, then it is a 4.6 L. You might consider a used engine from a salvage yard (that can be somewhat of a gamble unless you get a warranty) or a rebuilt engine. I think just in labor alone you are looking at over a grand.

1 people found this helpful.
40

Thank you. I assumed as much . . given that we just spent $700 in repairs and gave it to our 17 year old, I am not willing to do much more.

2 people found this helpful.
158,955

I don't blame you. You could maybe consider a used or rebuilt engine, but unless you can install it yourself you are still looking a a rather large repair bill of $2,000 plus. Best of luck with it.

2 people found this helpful.

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