We are about to but a 1995 ford F150 with 172,000 miles for cheap. my husband took it for a ride this morning and all is good but the engine light was on and he heard a slight knocking noise in the engine. there are no leaks, brakes and all are good, any ideas? what could it be, and is it likely to pass inspection? thanks!
2007-02-04 05:09:31 · 14 answers · asked by mna 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It probably won't pass an emission inspection with the engine light on, but the PCV valve needs replacing, bad sensor somewhere, lifters are tapping or there is a carbon buildup in the cylinders. It could be a rod knocking (which is a whole lot more serious and will cost a whole lot to fix - and very soon) but I doubt it from what you said. To be honest, I wouldn't buy it if I wasn't sure what the noise was. If the present owner can send it to a mechanic you both know and get it fixed I would do that. But be sure it is fixed (including no engine light) before you agree to buy it. Maybe the both of you could split the cost or even you could get the seller to pay for all of it - otherwise I would just keep looking until you find a truck with a quiet engine. Better safe than sorry. Nothing like buying a used car and then sinking another four grand into it.
2007-02-04 05:25:15 · answer #1 · answered by boogie2510 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might also want to run a compression test to see if your going to need to rebuild the engine soon. The compression runs different for every engine but it's pretty easy to find out what is an acceptable range. Also look to see if the engine was recently detailed. People looking to hide problems tend to use can's of stop leak and have the engine cleaned up perfect. 1995 was a good year for Ford trucks though so if your getting it for REALLY cheap you might want to consider planning on rebuilding the thing soon enough anyhow... just remember to rebuild the transmission when you do so. One last note, this isn't a diesel engine is it?!?!? They always have a knocking sound.
2007-02-04 05:23:47 · answer #2 · answered by friggenni 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What engine is in the truck? What condition is the body in? Any vehicle with that many miles on it is only worth a minimal amount. You will find things that need fixing that you wouldn't expect on a newer car.
This is not necessarily a reason not to buy it. I bought a 97 Nissan 200sx last spring for $500 and after putting a couple hundred into it (It would have cost about $1500 for a shop to do the work) it has been running great since. Just keep in mind if it ends up needing major work to it are you willing to put that kind of money into something that has that low a value.
2007-02-04 05:18:49 · answer #3 · answered by Mark D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All modern vehicles have a computer or the ECM (Electronic Control Module) that controls the engine operation. The main purpose of this is to keep the engine running at top efficiency with the lowest possible emissions. With today's strictest emission regulations it's not very easy to achieve - the engine needs to be constantly and precisely adjusted according to various conditions such as speed, load, engine temperature, gasoline quality, ambient air temperature, road conditions, etc. Today's cars have much more electronics than in early days - there is a large number of various sensors and other electronic devices that help the engine computer or ECM to monitor all vehicle emission-related systems. When the computer senses that there is a problem with any emission-related system or component, it stores the trouble code(s) in the memory and lights up the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light to tell you that there is a problem and your car needs to be looked at. The technician at the dealership or a garage then will hook up the scanner to the car computer and retrieve the stored code(s). Then he (she) will look it up in the service manual provided by a car manufacturer. The service manual contains the list of possible codes (about few hundreds) and describes what each code means and what needs to be tested. The code itself doesn't tell exactly what component is defective - it only says what engine parameter is out of normal range. The technician will have to perform further testing to pinpoint defective part.
2007-02-04 05:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by DEAL WITH IT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
172,000 miles...... very high mileage for a truck. If you are getting it for under 1,000 and the body is clean and interior is good, then it Might be worth it. Ford 5.0L V-8 engines were notorious for having knock in them. Sometimes they let go in 100 miles, sometimes can last for 50,000 miles. Take the truck to someone that can tell you the engine light code or codes mean, and then weigh the cost of rebuilding that engine with your budget and cashflow. Just because it runs good now, it may need a motor tomorrow. Good luck.
2007-02-04 05:16:01 · answer #5 · answered by Unforgiven Shadow 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take it some where and hvce it hooked up to a computer BEFORE you buy it. That should tell you why the engine light is on ( it could be alot of things). A slight knocking noise is NOT going to go away and will most likley get worse until it blows (if it's a rod). If you can afford to replace/rebulid the engine in the (near) future go for it............
2007-02-04 05:16:54 · answer #6 · answered by MC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just did a 98 F 150 with a slight knock, he was told it was just a dirty lifter so he bought it....the lame excuse and the truck. He brought it to me to have the lifter cleaned, lol...It was actually a wrist pin and cost quite allot to replace. Take the truck to a mechanic and have it diagnosed, if the owner will not allow you to do this either walk away or plan on some major engine work.
2007-02-04 05:17:47 · answer #7 · answered by misc 75 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The light was probably the computer response to the knocking.
Could be two things
1)engine is bad do not buy
2)they had cheap gas in it and it knocked, ask if you can fill the tank with premium fuel and redo the trial run. If that does not fix it Run! do not walk! Remember used cars are sold as is and it can cost $1600+ to get your engine smogged if its bat (happened to me)
2007-02-04 05:18:11 · answer #8 · answered by startrektosnewenterpriselovethem 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't buy any used car that need any repair,( the seller is liying to You)
look for a car or truck ready to be use without problem.
if after tomorrow brakes on You.oh, well.
but knewing is broken no way Jose.
reminding You ....I am mechanic for life time and even me will not buy that truck.
You haven't said the price.but offer $100.00 dollars( that is more or less what the junk yard will give You for it Just in case.)
2007-02-04 05:18:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-17 09:11:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋