240K *New Expedtion Owner*

RonB1964 said:

Also check the coolant cross-over on the intake manifold. They are known for failing.

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I will do that. Thank you.

You guys are awesome! I will be swapping out the heater core in a couple weeks and give an update. Thank you again for all of your advice. I am thrilled that I found this forum. As my 17 year old would say it, “you guys came in clutch”

The alternator is probably premature unless it’s making noise.

Mine has been squealing all winter but I still haven’t messed with it. I’ll let you know if it dies (I don’t think it will)

I agree on not changing alternator. With the majority of alternators available being reman, and of questionable quality, I'd leave that part alone for now. These vehicles have enough electrical issues as they are, you don't want to add an alternator. You might want to pop on a new serpentine belt. Personally I like Good year gaterbacks for my vehicles.

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change tensioner also as it's probably near end-of-life.

Not a bad idea. You might also want to jack all 4 tires, inspect brakes, brake hoses, front end parts. You've purchased a high milage unknown. Always better to know what you've got, and what you need, especially with the wife/kids riding in vehicle. All the cars I've purchased throughout the years needed something. Previous owners rarely ever disclaim things, their trying to unload.

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I will hold off on the alternator. Serpentine belt and tensioner is definitely a good idea. I purchased it mainly for a project. Working on vehicles is my therapy. I had my wife inspect the brakes/lines/rotors/seals/etc. Overall, the engine showed no sign of any leak...I know this can be achieved with some good cleaner, but even underneath in the hard to reach places it looked clean and dry. There was zero rust underneath and brake lines looked great. I will be installing new rotors and break pads. The rotors are smooth, but based on the thickness she showed me over a video, I assume they have been turned a couple of times. Owner did say that he had to install a new control arm as there were two driverside control arms installed. Never heard of that before. I am definitely looking forward to making this rig like new and last as long as possible. I will have an engine on a stand off to the side that I will be rebuilding over the next year and will slap it in before my next deployment.

Wow! A wife that can wrench, she's a keeper! My wife wouldn't even check her own oil. The reason he probably changed both control arms was wear. Hopefully not due to an accident. Either way as long as it steers well and is align able, no worries. Keep us posted with your results, Moose.

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Not to overwhelm you, but you're getting behind the dashboard to fix a heater core, it is absolutely worth your time to make sure the blend-door actuator is working and healthy before you do.

As for the tune up:
Use motorcraft parts (they've become remarkably affordable now that you can buy them online). I think I paid $30/per coil for genuine motorcraft through Amazon.

The coil on plugs are a PITA but can be done patiently without having to remove much so long as you have 2 things:
extensions
a 7mm flex-socket.

You can not put a regular 7mm socket on a universal, swivel adapter. It has to be the one piece, otherwise on the difficult cylinders, you won't fit under the fuel rail.

And don't forget all the fluids. Far too many owners forget to service any fluid other than the oil.

sounds like a heater core leak hasn't actually been confirmed yet, i'd be sure before going there,

could be lotsa reasons for 'smell of antifreeze'