Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual

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your particular engine.
Competent and accurate machine shop services will ensure maximum performance, reliability and engine life.
In most instances it is more profitable for the do−it−yourself mechanic to remove, clean and inspect the
component, buy the necessary parts and deliver these to a shop for actual machine work.
Much of the assembly work (crankshaft, bearings, piston rods, and other components) is well within the scope
of the do−it−yourself mechanic's tools and abilities. You will have to decide for yourself the depth of
involvement you desire in an engine repair or rebuild.
TOOLS
The tools required for an engine overhaul or parts replacement will depend on the depth of your involvement.
With a few exceptions, they will be the tools found in a mechanic's tool kit (see Section 1 of this manual).
More in−depth work will require some or all of the following:
A dial indicator (reading in thousandths) mounted on a universal base •
Micrometers and telescope gauges •
Jaw and screw−type pullers •
Scraper •
Valve spring compressor •
Ring groove cleaner •
Piston ring expander and compressor •
Ridge reamer
•
Cylinder hone or glaze breaker •
Plastigage® •
Engine stand •
The use of most of these tools is illustrated in this section. Many can be rented for a one−time use from a local
parts jobber or tool supply house specializing in automotive work.
Occasionally, the use of special tools is called for. See the information on Special Tools and the Safety Notice
in the front of this book before substituting another tool.
OVERHAUL TIPS
Aluminum has become extremely popular for use in engines, due to its low weight. Observe the following
precautions when handling aluminum parts:
Never hot tank aluminum parts (the caustic hot tank solution will eat the aluminum.) •
Remove all aluminum parts (identification tag, etc.) from engine parts prior to the tanking.
•
Always coat threads lightly with engine oil or anti−seize compounds before installation, to prevent
seizure. •
Never overtighten bolts or spark plugs especially in aluminum threads. •
When assembling the engine, any parts that will be exposed to frictional contact must be prelubed to provide
lubrication at initial start−up. Any product specifically formulated for this purpose can be used, but engine oil
is not recommended as a prelube in most cases.
When semi−permanent (locked, but removable) installation of bolts or nuts is desired, threads should be
cleaned and coated with Loctite® or another similar, commercial non−hardening sealant.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
446 Engine Overhaul Tips