Expert: Skip Bollinger - 3/27/2009

Question
I have a 1998 Ford Expedition with the 4.6L Vin code W Romeo engine. It has a bad block I have axcess to engines from different years. I know 97 and 98 have same engines. 99 to 00 have same block but need to change timing cover and intake. I also have axcess to a 02 engine and the guy that's got it says you change the same parts as the 99 to 00. So bacically what engines are interchangable and what parts would I have to change through the different years?

Answer
Joe,
  The ONLY thing I have access to are Parts Catalogs. I show Head Sets fitting 1997-1999 but the Conversion Sets only fit 1997-1998.
  I am not qualified to give you a positive answer to this question but I think I can give you some direction.
  As you say, you show 1997 & 1998 have the same engine. I'd stay with those years to avoid possible headaches. The timing cover takes the same set from 1997 - 1998 but 1999 is different.
  To get a POSITIVE answer, you could call Ford OR a good Salvage yard. They have a Hollander Manual that tells what parts off a vehicle will interchange with what other vehicles. It may be difficult to find someone willing to help someone for free. In this day and age, doing another human being a favor without making the almighty dollar is difficult to find.
  I hope this helps a bit. I'd just stick with blocks from 1997 or 1998.
Skip