AVOIDABLE! Blown Mercury Marauder 4.6L DOHC V8 Full Engine Teardown

For parts Email us at [e-mail] or visit www.Importapart.com!
Here's weekly dose of your catastrophic engine forensics! Every week you can find a new teardown of some abused, misused and/or poorly designed engine. I've got over 160 videos of failed engine teardowns on this channel.
Check out Ian's gaming channel here / @donrha
Today we have the engine out of my buddy Ian's 2003 Mercury Marauder. This is a 4.6L DOHC all aluminum modular V8 that makes just over 300hp. This engine is very similar to that found in the Mustang Cobra, Mach1, and virtually the same as the Lincoln Aviator with manifolds being the main difference. These are relatively simple engines, fairly easy to work on and pretty reliable. Unfortunately in Ian's case, this engine has been overheated a few times which led to oil consumption. Without diligent oil level monitoring, things can go downhill fast as we can see in this teardown.
Why am I doing this? I own and run a full service auto salvage business called Importapart. Part of our model includes dismantling blown or core engines to salvage the good parts from. We do not rebuild engines, we merely sell parts to those who do.
I really hope you enjoyed this teardown, as always I love all of the comments, feedback and even the criticism. Catch you on the next one!
-Eric

[@donrha]

Great video as always Eric. I really appreciate it! I bought the car in 2019 from the original owner in Wisconsin with 142k miles on it. Car didn't burn any oil until the thermostat was replaced with an autozone brand part and started overheating regularly. I promptly replaced the part with the correct oem motorcraft thermostat (These cars demand it) but the car continued to burn oil and admittedly I didn't stay on top of it. Over the course of 6 weeks unchecked it consumed 2 quarts of oil. I topped it off but the damage was done. CHECK YOUR OIL! I did end up finding a rear-ended 03 Marauder in Kentucky and pulled the motor (128k miles) car is back up and running. Lesson learned 6k later... (Engine plus install) Thanks to all who subbed you guys are awesome!

[@user-ll1jy1vq1v]

Sorry to hear you had to go through all that The things we do for the cars we love But a thanks from one of us for our viewing pleasure

[@joshuamartin6841]

Thank you for your sacrifice!

[@yeahitskimmel]

Having the background info is great, thanks for both that and the engine

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you so much for the engine and your experience, both of which make for a very instructive tear down. I just had a service done on my own vehicle. I get the oil changed every 3 months regardless of mileage and check the oil level weekly.

[@deplorablelibertarian]

I appreciate the sacrifice you made in order to bring us the tear down….had you checked the oil in that 6 weeks, we wouldn’t be watching this video.

[@fourcam150]

6:10 those clean valves really make you appreciate port injection!

[@Chippy569]

As a midwestern tech, I really appreciate the struggle of getting the busted nut out of the socket. Thanks for sharing the better parts of my existence :)

[@bleach_drink_me]

I appreciate seeing it as well. Only thing I would like to hear was "ope"

[@TheBandit7613]

Just though I'd let you know, I live in Las Vegas. One of the driest cities in the world. After 30 years, I can loosen the bolts on the exhaust without breaking or stripping.

[@reecedrury4145]

Lol I'm in the UK, everything is rusty and siezed

[@lancecorey6582]

If the socket has a hole through it, you can use a drift pin to hammer it out.

[@groosbro1]

I'm with you bud. I had to hammer a socket onto a lugnut to remove it. Had to use a hydraulic press and punch to get the nut out.

[@christopherweise438]

We owe Ian a big thanks for tonight's engine. Merry Christmas to Ian and his family! (almost forgot Eric as well)

[@samholdsworth420]

Ian? His name is Eric

[@robertwest3093]

Ian is the guy who donated the engine.

[@samholdsworth420]

@@robertwest3093 gotcha my bad lol

[@robbielangley8523]

OMG the hammer size progression was a riot! LOL Merry Christmas, sir and thanks for another awesome video!

[@thelonelywolf88]

Sledgehammer time! LOL

[@redbarchetta8782]

Bring out the BFH.

[@VoVilliaCorp]

It was the Jeremy Clarkson toolset

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

OMG! OMG! OMG! While running around in heals clutching her pearls...

[@dwaynevanderschaaf6897]

WAP stands for Windsor Aluminum Plant, where the blocks were cast. I worked there at the time. The engines were assembled at Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Michigan.

[@jonesallu]

Thank you for keeping this a family friendly channel. I send a lot of kids and teenagers to your channel with no worries. I hope your approach to dismantling engines will spark a love for it in younger folk. They LOVE your jokes and wait for a notification when you drop a new video. Thank you very much! It's appreciated.

[@johnt.848]

Wow, I have never seen a crank wear out more than a bearing.

[@kevindoherty2716]

Obviously someone pulled the pan and changed the bearings at some point. A steel crank would never wear out more then a aluminum alloyed bearing even without a heat treatment on the crank. At some point that bad journal had a spun bearing which was replaced.

[@animeswords8750]

Yeah. Those plugs are original. Motorcraft, stopped using those plugs with the half threads within a couple of years. As a matter of fact. Tech bulletins had to be issued because people thought the replacement plugs for those, with full threads, would damage the cylinder heads or were not correct for use. It was fun trying to explain to people that there were. I got tired of doing it after a while and tore out the tech bulletin from my catalog and had it laminated so I could present it to people whenever the issue came up.

[@liver.flush.maestro]

The water pump design is really good, small, externally accessible and belt driven.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

and with a stainless steel impellor... and an O ring seal.... real engineering.

[@liver.flush.maestro]

@@JohnSmith-yv6eq Yeah, good additional points 🙂

[@VoVilliaCorp]

and not phallic looking

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

As well as a weep hole that actually works as intended!

[@liver.flush.maestro]

@@commonsenseisdeadin2024 Yes, the weep hole not leading to an oil compartment 🙂

[@blown572hemi]

As an old timer...these modern engine's are race quality from the tech indy 70s 80s. Knife edged cranks, chamfered oil holes, beefy rod's, and coated piston skirts. Windage trays too. I know it's all for efficiency but, nice. Regardless of manufacturer. I'm a gearhead and love them all. Even a yugo can be modified.

[@aaronatwood9298]

I love the Oregon Trail references. Just like elementary school. "Your impact died of dysentery". The marauder 4.6 was a great upgrade for the 2 valve 4.6 in the F150. My 98 f150 had the Romeo 2 valve and I got a hold of one of these and it was amazing.

[@meanderinoranges]

That crank journal wear seems like a classic case of abrasive embedding itself into the softer bearing material. The softer material becomes like sandpaper, and oddly it's the harder material of the crank that wears away. Machinists take advantage of this phenomenon by using copper lapping plates embedded with diamond abrasive to lap granite surfaces. The diamond embedded copper cuts through the granite like buttah.

[@alb12345672]

I blew a briggs opposed recently, seems there was a buildup of material on the crank journal.

[@09corvettezr1]

Amazing how much crank wear there is considering how little bearing wear there is one cylinder 2.

[@DjResR]

Bad heat treatment?_

[@HomelabExtreme]

@@DjResRThis isn't heat treated, that's why it looks like that. Surface hardening is a relatively new thing.

[@BornySwag]

In late November I was out for a week with COVID. These videos were such an entertaining way to pass the time and learn a bit about engines. I'm in on every new video. Thanks Eric.

[@I_Do_Cars]

Glad you’re on the mend! That Covid really takes it out of ya

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

Feel for you bro. Our Xmas plans were destroyed because of Covid. Can’t visit my parents and family thanks to its turmoil!

[@samholdsworth420]

I got covid right now I can't smell or taste anything WTF

[@christopherweise438]

I had it in early November and it kicked my ass hard. Glad you're on the upswing.

[@martyketelaar5277]

Dip stick deserved a B-slap!! Thanks for all the great videos this year Eric. Happy Holidays to you and all the IDC subscribers!

[@DjResR]

It deserves a good waterpump treatment._

[@derekfriday7931]

I still remember that original marauder tear down this first time. I cant believe its been 2 years since then. Thank you for all the years of entertainment so far eric. Merry Christmas to you and the family.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

I thought it was literally like 2 months ago!

[@RANDOMNATION907]

I was not prepared for when and where you inserted the *_"PENETRATOR"_* . . . . and I believe I may have actually lol'd. Thanks for the laugh and another year of awesome videos. Merry Christmas to you and your family & employees. edit: And Thank you to Ian for the engine.

[@richardludwig1767]

I never thought watching someone taking an engine apart could be so interesting. but you sir make it very enjoyable. Thanks

[@ImCrimson]

If there's one thing this channel taught me (besides oil level check) is to always keep an eye on the temp gauge.

[@johngassmann9581]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for all the great content this year.

[@crazieman]

The comedy in this video today is top notch. I laughed almost the entire time. Been ages since a good dipstick fight too.

[@SoulmistEU]

Love that you've embraced craming the cap-cams loose. It makes me smile every time! Merry Christmas to you

[@509brown]

Enjoyed! You helped make 2013 a great year, Eric. Been a couple of "bumps in the road" and each week you've helped me through them! Check your oil and I'll see you soon.

[@donw3912]

Thanks for donating the engine Ian. A great video as always Eric...you learned a trick that works for those sideways main bolts to be removed if nothing else🙂 Merry Christmas to one and all🙂

[@theahutchings8407]

A Miata parks a couple of spots down from me and has the plate “A MIATA is always the answer”, makes me think of this channel whenever I see it. It’s also odd because it’s always been sold as the MX-5 over here. Anyway, thanks Ian and merry Christmas!

[@patrickdiehl6813]

OMG you had me laughing my ass off with the socket and stuck bolt. Thanks Eric, I really needed that this morning 👊 Always a fun time when you tear down an engine.

[@gcrauwels941]

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Eric, and to Ian for tonight's engine.

[@kevincurry4735]

Happy Christmas Eve Eve Eric. A Marauder engine cool cannot wait for the breakdown.

[@mahcooharper9577]

Another great teardown Eric, thankyou. I'd love a Marauder but we never got them here in Australia. Shame to have hurt that motor like that, but at least we got a cool video out of it. :) Happy Christmas to you and your family!

[@bogrick1947]

Happy Holidays and a great new year. Lets hope for some great tear downs and lots of nice failures for 2024. Have enjoyed your channel so much over the last year and hope to see much more

[@jovialmonk2168]

Enjoyed it as always.Have a great Christmass Eric!

[@ibannymous]

Thanks Ian! Merry Christmas one and all!

[@OingBoing-bh5vm]

Merry Christmas. Thank You for the memories. The way You throw parts almost into a bin. Much Love. Hope You get New Tools 😊

[@xnewguyx2738]

Thank you for another great video, appreciate your hard work and dedication including the editing skills.

[@horaciokanashiro-hv2zn]

👍

[@daddy-roo2808]

You bring a new meaning to "impact socket". Surprised you didn't use a slide hammer 😅

[@18Macallan]

Thank you Eric! Merry Christmas! 🎁

[@frankkent8046]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! Thanks Ian for the engine!

[@rogerhenry3481]

Thank you Eric! Merry Christmas!

[@chrish8487]

Thank you Ian, much appreciated!

[@innesm]

As always, I appreciate your videos. Very informative, but also I absolutely love your humour. I always have a laugh or two. Keep up the amazing work Eric. Love every minute of every video. Thanks

[@jimburtwell2731]

Merry Christmas and thanks for the great content.

[@theassetStu]

Always enjoy Saturday night teardowns

[@VexHD0]

There are a couple tricks for removing rusty bolts here in the midwest. Pretty simple but without patience you'd be better off just snapping the bolt. The trick is to try and unscrew until the bolt moves. Once you see it move tighten it back up. Unscrew again and tighten. Do that a few times and it will come right out. This idea, compounded with heat and penetrate will do wonders especially for bolts inside blocks or heads. My preferred way of removing snapped bolts from my sockets is to stick the biggest screw driver I can find down the anvil side of the socket and slam it on the desk/table/ground like a jammed rifle or shotgun. Sometimes you can get the bolt head to hit the ceiling :)

[@YZ250W1]

Thanks mate! Happy Holidays!

[@cam32112]

Loved the video. Really surprised to see the crank worn as much or more than the bearing! The socket/hammer part was hilarious! Anyone who has worked on rusty/old cars & trucks can totally relate! Looking forward to the next teardown Eric.

[@7KidsSpanoMan]

Merry Christmas, Eric! Wish your family well!

[@Thatonekid245]

These are some of the most aesthetically pleasing engine to look at. I love those valve covers.

[@Paul1958R]

Thank you Eric. Thank you Ian.

[@RyanKimpel]

I am starting to think that Ford has a single goal in mind when designing their engines: "How many different tools can we make our techs use?". Within the first 8 minutes, before the valve covers even came off, we have adjustable wrenches, corrosive breath, scaling sizes of sledge. Fantastic work.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

You haven't worked on European cars have you?

[@walter68bug98]

Merry Christmas to you and your family sir!

[@sdgilmer]

Thank you Ian!

[@anthonybertone2336]

Now this is a Christmas present. Thank you so much.

[@davestark2015]

Ps. Merry Christmas to you and yours !!! Thank you for another great year of tear downs !!!!! Cheers 🍻

[@jamesplotkin4674]

Merry Christmas, Eric.

[@chuckgrenci6404]

Dysentery comment on the battery, equals, 'crapped out'; but in the end, it recovered with the correct amount of remediation (cure). Nice video Eric.

[@michaelmiller1109]

These tear down sounds are borderline ASMR. Keep it up.

[@CedroCron]

Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the best for 2024, thank you for all the great videos in 2023! Cheers

[@mec7568]

Fingers crossed. 98 Lincoln Continental all original 4.6 32-valve. Just passed 347k miles and counting.

[@grampy2004]

Thanks for another great teardown. Those valves look great compared to a GDI engine . Happy Holidays

[@tonychavez2083]

People are so hung up on horsepower numbers. Any 300 horse V8 is still healthy in my book. Nice video 👍🏼 enjoy the holidays.

[@anthonybertone2336]

Merry Christmas Eric to you and to yours, Enjoy the long weekend

[@macthemec]

Thats the broest thing i’ve heard in a while, kudos to you and Ian 👍💪😎

[@garylarson6386]

another wonderful video thank YOU !!!

[@user-iz4lo5qr9x]

I Love seeing you go thru some of the BS I did for years ..broken bolts etc

[@christopherweise438]

Exactly. Up here in the rust belt (Wisconsin) exhaust manifolds are an absolute nightmare.

[@pantherplatform]

This is the video I've been waiting for!

[@riccocool]

Thanks Ian!

[@marathoner43]

Thank you Eric for my Saturday night entertainment, and Ian for the engine. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@ik04]

I recognized that engine as soon as I saw it! Someday when I rebuild my Marauder, I'll know what to expect!

[@TheVespap200e]

Thanks Ian! 😀👍

[@metalted6128]

Great video!!! I always liked the 4 cam marauder. I am partial to them since I own a 64 marauder.

[@rdxandtnt]

Dysentery!! I had it once. Made me crack up. Love it!

[@williamcap2236]

Omg the hammer skit was the absolute BOMB ! I had to watch it 4 times !!

[@thomasrbishop8736]

Outstanding video

[@JohnnyAFG81]

Love that Car. I wish they never stopped producing them.

[@DavefromCA2023]

I used to own a Mach 1 (essentially the same motor) when I was 20, which was 20 years ago. Thanks for this!

[@johnmoloney5296]

Happy Christmas to you and yours Eric, john from Ireland

[@ClaytheBMXer]

Merry Christmas! Loved the video. Quick tip: Anything plastic or rubber that's stuck - like that dipstick O-ring, or an electrical connector - shoot it with some silicone lubricant spray (I like the blaster brand, personally). Usually makes it a lot easier to remove! Thanks!

[@markeone]

I came for the dipstick fight. Ended up staying for an engine tear down! Have a wonderful holiday season and prosperous new year!

[@1DShoe]

Nice vid! I have an 03 Mach 1, and this is VERY similar to that engine. Not the same, as you pointed out, but I had some flashbacks - I mean, memories - of tearing mine down during this.

[@VoVilliaCorp]

Thank you Ian

[@markgruenberg6277]

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

[@toddhowe427]

Had a ‘03 Mach 1 with this engine. Great power for the time but it’s amazing that just 20 years later my wife”s Explorer ST has 100 more HP from 1.6 fewer liters (although it also has two more turbos) than the 4.6 has…

[@gandolfthewizard9606]

It’s amazing a 20 year newer expensive ass performance engine has only 100+ on this

[@stevemccauley5734]

Apples to oranges. Put turbos on that Marauder engine. Then your Explorer ST is more like a Civic compared.

[@TML34]

@@stevemccauley5734the 4.6 would be throwing rods out the block if you boosted it. 😂

[@rdallas81]

​@@TML34 depends. When boost is ran, engine should technically be running lower C ratio. Plus, some Ford 4.6 5.0 have some weak pistons in them

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

​​@@TML34keep it below 10psi and you'll be fine! E85 and/or meth is a extremely good idea as well.... But that goes for all boosted engines really but 🤷 Mod motors love boost BTW..... Still think the original plan for new edge mustangs were to be supercharged..... What other reason do they have hydroboost for?

[@carlswenson5403]

thank you Ian

[@wesgreen2812]

thanks Ian!

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Thanks Ian.

[@allanjohnson2925]

First time viewer really enjoyed getting informed. Engines are a lot different from my time at Ted's garage in the 60's.

[@bullnukeoldman3794]

I saw an adjustable (Crescent-style) wrench being used. I was taught many years ago to always pull against the fixed jaw of the wrench, not the movable jaw to help fastener grip and not cause wear to the movable jaw worm gear/rack.

[@michaelsjolin9203]

your twist-crank engine stand is awesome.

[@venussavage]

Great content. Sorry about the battery for your impact having dysentery.

[@bdaneau]

Man - those oil tube sheninagans - always so entertainting with a glass of wine ! 🙂

[@dragineeztoo61]

Thanx Ion!

[@user-mv1vt5hy7e]

Ian, you are a Great American Sir!

[@alexjuarez1247]

Yes these vids highlight of my week I swear to you 🎉

[@tor-dv6km]

I love your videos.. I love how this old-time engine gave you a headache😅😅

[@christopherweise438]

The amount of double entendres in the first 5 minutes is impressive.

[@TimTurner115]

Merry Christmas and happy New Year

[@michaelblodgett4704]

I didn't know overheating causes a loss of springyness in the rings. I learn so much here. Thanks.

[@johnelliott7375]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Eric and thank you for sharing this and everything else that you do for us!🎄🎁⛄ I will have to e-mail you about this one!

[@jamesgascoyne.7494]

Great video Eric. Enjoy your videos. Have a great Christmas bud. Keep up the videos next year please. Still waiting on a bmw M51 25d strip down. But we can't have everything. All the the best to you and your family my friend