Reviving my 95 finally after 2+ years!

[ExplorGM]

Finally trying to get back in the game. The X has been waiting patiently in the garage for almost two years.

Put on rebuilt heads after an injector failed and a lean condition ate a plug and spit it out a valve. Pistons seemed fine and no scoring on walls.

When I first got it back together it would not start. Fuel pressure gone so I checked and replaced the fuel pump as well as cleaned out the tank and replaced fuel with some 100 octane unleaded I had left over. Started with good fuel pressure, but would not keep running. Just changed fuel filter. Now it starts and with some pumping and revving and it will run but runs extremely rough with intake popping and it seems to be running really rich judging by the fumes. Sounds good when it revs but hard to keep it running.

Thinking vaccum leak, ignition problem, or head gasket? It ran and passed emissions before I took it apart so the fuel pump failure was a surprise. What else should I be looking for? Not looking forward to tearing it all down again as time is in short supply these days...I'd really prefer to get it on the road again instead of selling it as is...

Just replaced the filter this afternoon so I have not gone any farther. Wanted to get some additional input so I'm not spinning my wheels looking in the wrong place?
Thoughts?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Did you check the fuel pressure on the rail? The first thing I'd check is the fuel pressure regulator, and the Idle Air Control valve.

 

[ExplorGM]

Fuel Pressure

Pressure at 40psi at 1500rpm. Drops to 35 range at lower rpms. Starts right up on first turn but even at 1500 it is rough and pops. Need to hold pedal at 3/4 down to keep it steady. Anything less and it begins to die.

 

[Rick]

Welcome back!

Check this thread for some ideas: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=91138

Man, I feel like an ass. I can't remember your first name

 

[ExplorGM]

Hey Rick!

That's really funny. HI to Char from Carla.
Its Rick by the way!

We're closer to you now (if you have not moved...) We are at 43rd and Grovers. The Explorer has not changed a bit from when you last saw it except that its a storage bin...

 

[ExplorGM]

Worse!

Well, the engine idled (mostly) after some cleaning of MAF. Still very rough and popping. Won't rev smoothly either. Tried to clean the IAC but made it worse! Then would not start at all.
Disconnected connection to IAC and now it will idle but dies upon any kind of throttle touch. Still popping at idle. Exhaust is much cleaner and less strong now...
Thoughts? Is IAC toast or does it need to dry out or??
Thanks in advance!

 

[Rick]

If it idles it's probably not the IAC, maybe the MAF died? I know when the MAF died on our VW we were able to disconnect it and drive in a "limp home" mode with performance better than when it was plugged in. Not sure if that will work on the Explorer.

 

[solitary ogre]

intake popping?
are the plug wires in the correct locations?

 

[ExplorGM]

Hi Rick,
If it was not the IAC before, it is now after I tried to clean it... Only idles now when the IAC is disconnected. Going to let it dry out and see if it works again in the AM. If not, I'll get a new one and see where we stand. Don't understand the popping though. Checked the plug wires and firing order, seems to be ok.

Wish I could take the 430ci out of my Buick and swap it in!

 

[storlied]

I'd replace the IAC, sometimes cleaning them just isn't enough... and just like you said.. cleaning made it worse.

MAF & IAC in my opinion.. if the fuel system is good to go.

 

[ExplorGM]

Fuel System

Fuel System should be good to go. New fuel pump and filter. Although since the truck has been idle, the needle on the indicator seems to be stuck at "F"...? All the other gauges seem to be working. Strange how the fuel pump went bad just sitting there and now this rough running problem. It does have new gas in the tank and now some Lucas cleaner in it also, but that has not helped.
Thanks for the suggestions. New IAC either tomorrow or when I get back from Idaho this week.

 

[storlied]

Might want to run seafoam through the engine also, and get new plugs/wires (if you haven't already) typical tune-up items..

But yea.. update us after the IAC... I'm going to be getting a new (re-built) one soon, along with a MAF.

 

[ExplorGM]

The Seafoam is what toasted the IAC. Helped the MAF I think though. Have new plugs and injectors, but probably time for new wires.

Noticed that you are from Alaska? Beautiful state. Have been to the Anchorage area a few times for work. Wish your Gov. would have made the VP spot!

 

[ExplorGM]

No luck

Took a couple tries to get the correct unit with the correct connector. Of course, mine was the more expensive one! No luck though. It won't start now at all. Back to the drawing board.

 

[storlied]

Alaska sucks dude.... lol.. but then again.. I'm stuck living here in Fairbanks..

You might want to try using seafoam through the vacume lines instead of the intake.

 

[ExplorGM]

Sea Foam

I'll give it a try. At this point I'd do a sea foam dance if it would make a difference!
Thanks.

 

[ExplorGM]

Plug?

Would a single bad plug keep it from starting? I know it would contribute to the popping.
Checked the firing order and checked plug wires. At first it seemed as though only #1 and #4 were firing, so I thought the coil pack might be bad, but all but #5 are firing now. If I run the #5 wire to a ground it fires, but if it is connected to the plug it will not fire. Tried another wire on it and the same result.

 

[ExplorGM]

Maf

So I read back through the suggestions and tried Rick's idea of disconnecting the MAF connector. Started right up! Still runs rough from that #5 cylinder. I connected the MAF while it was running and it ran more smoothly. I could even put it in gear and it ran.

Weird thing is that when I turned it off and then tried to start it with the MAF connected it would not start. So I disconnected it again and it started up instantly. When I again tried to connect the MAF while it was running it died immediately. Did this twice.

MAF bad?

 

[Glen4X4]

So I read back through the suggestions and tried Rick's idea of disconnecting the MAF connector. Started right up! Still runs rough from that #5 cylinder. I connected the MAF while it was running and it ran more smoothly. I could even put it in gear and it ran.

Weird thing is that when I turned it off and then tried to start it with the MAF connected it would not start. So I disconnected it again and it started up instantly. When I again tried to connect the MAF while it was running it died immediately. Did this twice.

MAF bad?

I'd definitely replace the maf

 

[ExplorGM]

Any chance it could be a bad computer signal or other? Hate to spend another $100+ on another part if not necessary...

Can they be repaired? Is it worth going to a junk yard or do they have a definite shelf life?