Ford Explorer Forum : “how to tell what size engine”

if you can not tell by looking at the motor:
1. Open the hood
2. Look for the emmision sticker or catalyst sticker. (usually on underside of hood or on air box)
3. It should have spark plug gap and around that it should say 4.0L or 4.6L or 5.0L etc etc.
hope this helps

if u check ur vin # and use the owners manual to find a certain letter that it shows it will hav the size of ur engine listed

dont even need to leave the room dude...run the VIN thru CARFAX.COM

well if i'm not mistaken all the V8 Explorers have a V8 badge on each front fender, and i think the tailgate as well,  so if no badges chances are you have a 4.0 V6 unless the badges were removed.

it aint 4.0 cuz they dont make it no mor

You could have a 4.0 SOHC, a 4.0 OHV, or a 5.0.  The plastic cover on the engine will tell you if you have a SOHC motor, and the v-8s have badges on the fenders, as previously stated.  By the way, Ford still puts the 4.0 in the explorer.

I've got the ole 96 w the V8. (Manage an awesome 18mpg avg by the way) and if somebody managed to pry off all the decals that say V8 on it, you can check the big aluminum intake manifold that reads "Explorer V8" or count plug wires.

I think it sad if one buys a vehicle without knowing whether they've got a V6 or a V8 under the hood. Just sayin.

dude u r so wrong Ford has never cut the old 4.0 v6. my bet is that if its a 96 its probably got the old reliable 4.0 v6. the only engine options for that year are the 4.0 v6 or the 5.4 v8 and i would put money on it that u have the v6

All of you guys are cooked.

Explorers come with 4.0 V6 or 5.0 V8...

Its not hard to tell them apart, ones slow as balls the others slower