POLICE ENGINE BRUTALITY! '21 Explorer Cop Car 3.3L V6 Engine Destroyed By "Pursuit Mode" TEARDOWN!

I Do Cars・2 minutes read

The engine from a Ford Explorer police interceptor experienced catastrophic damage due to high RPM operation, leading to internal failure and severe damage to components like pistons and valves. Despite the extensive damage, some parts were spared from debris, and the cause of the engine failure, such as oil starvation or mechanical over-revving, remains uncertain, prompting viewers to share insights and offer replacement parts.

Insights

  • The engine from the 2021 Ford Explorer police interceptor, donated by a viewer, suffered catastrophic damage due to high RPM operation in Pursuit mode, leading to severe internal failure, particularly in the rear cylinders, with missing pistons, broken connecting rods, and absent exhaust valves.
  • The disassembly process of the engine revealed extensive damage, with severe wear and damage to components like the crankshaft and block, indicating multiple impacts, rendering them unusable, while highlighting neighboring parts mostly spared from debris, except for significant damage in some valves and heads.

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Recent questions

  • What caused the engine failure in the Ford Explorer police interceptor?

    The engine failure in the Ford Explorer police interceptor was attributed to high RPM operation in Pursuit mode, leading to catastrophic damage to internal components. This resulted in severe damage to the valves, pistons, cylinders, connecting rods, and other crucial engine parts. The examination revealed evidence of a significant mechanical breakdown due to the engine being pushed to its limits during Pursuit mode, ultimately causing irreparable damage.

  • What components of the engine showed the most severe damage during disassembly?

    During the disassembly process, the engine's cylinders, pistons, connecting rods, and exhaust valves exhibited the most severe damage. The examination uncovered missing pistons, broken connecting rods, and extensive damage in the cylinders, particularly in the rear cylinders. This damage was a result of the catastrophic failure in the combustion chambers, highlighting the extent of the internal damage caused by the engine malfunction.

  • What signs of wear were found in the engine's timing system?

    The inspection of the engine's timing system revealed signs of wear, including a sliver of a bearing and broken aluminum pieces. While no major issues were detected in the timing system, these wear indicators suggested that the engine had experienced stress and strain, potentially contributing to the overall engine failure. The examination of the timing system provided insights into the engine's operational history and the impact of high RPM operation.

  • How did the examination of the camshafts and journals contribute to understanding the engine failure?

    The examination of the camshafts and journals showed wear but no signs of oil starvation or major damage. This indicated that the camshafts and journals were relatively spared from the catastrophic failure that affected other components of the engine. By inspecting these parts, it was possible to rule out certain causes of the engine failure, focusing attention on the areas that exhibited more severe damage and wear during the disassembly process.

  • What theories were proposed to explain the engine's failure in the Ford Explorer police interceptor?

    Several theories were proposed to explain the engine's failure in the Ford Explorer police interceptor, including a factory defect, oil starvation, or mechanical over-revving. The examination of the engine components revealed bearing failure, with most bearings damaged except for numbers five and one. This led to speculation about potential causes such as inadequate lubrication or excessive engine speed. Viewers were encouraged to share their insights and offer parts for sale to further investigate the root cause of the engine malfunction.

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Summary

00:00

2021 Ford Explorer Engine Failure Analysis

  • The engine being examined is a 3.3 L naturally aspirated V6 from a 2021 Ford Explorer police interceptor, producing 285 horsepower.
  • The engine was donated by a viewer and came from a police vehicle that experienced a malfunction called Pursuit mode, leading to engine failure.
  • The engine showed severe damage, with holes in the valve cover and significant internal damage, particularly in the rear cylinders.
  • The engine was disassembled, revealing damage to the valves and pistons, with evidence of a catastrophic failure in the combustion chambers.
  • The timing system was inspected, showing signs of wear but no major issues, except for a sliver of a bearing and broken aluminum pieces.
  • The camshafts and journals were examined, showing wear but no signs of oil starvation or major damage.
  • The heads were removed, uncovering extensive damage in the cylinders, with missing pistons, broken connecting rods, and absent exhaust valves.
  • The engine failure was attributed to high RPM operation in Pursuit mode, causing catastrophic damage to the internal components.
  • The examination highlighted the severity of the engine failure, with clear evidence of a significant mechanical breakdown.
  • The disassembly process provided insights into the extent of the damage and the specific components affected by the engine malfunction.

21:19

Engine Disassembly Reveals Extensive Damage

  • The good side of the engine is being dismantled first.
  • A bolt on the perimeter needs to be removed before proceeding.
  • The head gasket on this side is damaged, similar to the other side.
  • A test needs to be conducted before further disassembly.
  • Significant damage is observed in one cylinder compared to the others.
  • The oil filter is removed, revealing debris inside.
  • The oil cooler needs to be removed next.
  • The oil pan is removed carefully to avoid spilling debris.
  • Various engine parts are dismantled, revealing extensive damage.
  • The crankshaft and other components show severe wear and damage.

44:33

Engine Failure Investigation: Crankshaft and Block Damage

  • The crankshaft and block are severely damaged, likely due to numerous impacts, rendering them scrap.
  • Despite the destruction, neighboring parts were mostly spared from debris, with some valves and heads showing significant damage.
  • The engine experienced bearing failure, with most bearings damaged except for numbers five and one, leading to theories of oil starvation or mechanical over-revving.
  • The engine's failure remains a mystery, with possibilities of a factory defect, oil starvation, or mechanical over-revving, prompting viewers to share their insights and offering parts for sale.
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