mbrando1994
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 17, 2015
- Messages
- 274
- Reaction score
- 6
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2003 Ford Ex XLT
4.0 V6
Hi all,
2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC V6
Right now my left side valve cover gasket is seeping oil. I heard this can leak onto the exhaust manifold and cause a fire so replacing this is fairly urgent to me.
Also, the fitting that the PCV valve screws into appears to not have any thread whatsoever. The valve will not 'screw' in at all. If anything it just sits there and eventually falls out. (Causing more of a leak), so because of that I also ordered a new valve cover to replace while switching out the gaskets. Below I have outlined a few concerns/questions I have with this process:
1. I understand the bolts holding the intake manifold on are T30 torx screws. Will a regular torx screwdriver work best or would a 3/8 or 1/2 drive ratchet with torx socket heads be best?
2. The cruise control and accelerator cables- how do you get these disconnected? I have inspected the connectors through and through and can't seem to figure it out.
3. EGR pipe/fitting: I remember reading somewhere that a 'pipe' had to be removed with a crescent wrench... I can't seem to find this pipe when looking at the engine. Does this have to be removed on the 03' model? Tips for removal?
4. To replace the right (passenger) side valve cover, my Haynes manual instructs me to drain the coolant. I am doing a coolant flush anyway so figured this is a good time to do both. Problem is, is that the radiator does not have a cap. I have never done a flush with such a setup. How should I go about refilling the system with new coolant?
5. I will also be replacing the gaskets around the intake manifold inlets. Is there any maintenance other than what is described here that I should be performing while having the valve covers off? I'd prefer not to have to dig into this again for a little while. Any recommendations are surely appreciated!
Thanks again everyone!
2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC V6
Right now my left side valve cover gasket is seeping oil. I heard this can leak onto the exhaust manifold and cause a fire so replacing this is fairly urgent to me.
Also, the fitting that the PCV valve screws into appears to not have any thread whatsoever. The valve will not 'screw' in at all. If anything it just sits there and eventually falls out. (Causing more of a leak), so because of that I also ordered a new valve cover to replace while switching out the gaskets. Below I have outlined a few concerns/questions I have with this process:
1. I understand the bolts holding the intake manifold on are T30 torx screws. Will a regular torx screwdriver work best or would a 3/8 or 1/2 drive ratchet with torx socket heads be best?
2. The cruise control and accelerator cables- how do you get these disconnected? I have inspected the connectors through and through and can't seem to figure it out.
3. EGR pipe/fitting: I remember reading somewhere that a 'pipe' had to be removed with a crescent wrench... I can't seem to find this pipe when looking at the engine. Does this have to be removed on the 03' model? Tips for removal?
4. To replace the right (passenger) side valve cover, my Haynes manual instructs me to drain the coolant. I am doing a coolant flush anyway so figured this is a good time to do both. Problem is, is that the radiator does not have a cap. I have never done a flush with such a setup. How should I go about refilling the system with new coolant?
5. I will also be replacing the gaskets around the intake manifold inlets. Is there any maintenance other than what is described here that I should be performing while having the valve covers off? I'd prefer not to have to dig into this again for a little while. Any recommendations are surely appreciated!
Thanks again everyone!