As mentioned in the OSU thread, I've torn the front of the engine off as far as I can. The big PITA part I can't do without a special wrench is the stupid water pump threaded fan. Of all the things Ford has ever done, threading the fan onto the water pump like they do is the most annoying thing to deal with.
But here are the most interesting findings...
The Mustang TPS and the Explorer TPS for the 97 Explorer are so similar, the Mustang TPS easily mounted on the Explorer TB. The Explorer wire harness is longer. The Here are some pics:
In this pic, notice the sensors are almost identical. Nothing has changed that prevents it from being mounted. The sensor rotates in the same direction, so it's not like there's a bind issue once mounted. The TB travels just like it did before. Explorer TPS on right:
The problem with using the Explorer TPS is the connector. The Explorer connnector is on the left:
Here's the Mustang sensor mounted to the Explorer TB.
Another interesting finding is that the 97 Explorer intake was designed to potentially be used with heads that supply EGR gas up to an EGR plate. Notice the EGR channel in the center.
The lower intake has a hole too. So for future knowledge, I could easily replace the heads, and relocate the EGR up through the intakes I already have. However I doubt I'll ever need that since the Explorer headers have an EGR port. But it is nice to know what the options are.
Here's a picture of the Engine stripped less the stupid fan:
This afternoon, I've got to get a gasket set so I can replace the cast aluminum oil pan and pickup.
It feels good to see something happening other than just parts collection and spending money.
