1998 Explorer 5.0 “Restoration2021” project

[CDW6212R]

/\ Did Ford use the E7 male torx head on the 5.0 studs ? Like on the 4.0's..... not a common socket to have.... just a heads up...

No issue there, they have normal good bolts, it's just the old age and corrosion that locks up some bolts. The heater hose pipe can be corroded also, or the large fitting connection not let go. We've seen more of that now that most of these are 20-30 years old(the modern 302's).

 

[SuperGordo]

The bolts are normal except for a couple with stud on top for mounting the heater hose pipe and a ground strap. Like water pump bolts, be easy with the corner four, like those they can seize inside the intake hole and break.

How tight was the PCV grommet? That would be shrunk after 20 years but it shouldn't leak enough to effect the idle etc.

I installed a brand new grommet and Motorcraft PCV. Also keep in mind that I touched dam near everything on this EX. All the hoses are new. Repaired a bunch of vacuum hoses. Almost no stones unturned.

 

[SuperGordo]

It runs and drives really well. Just this starting issue is the only hiccup currently. I'll figure it out one way or the other. But it doesn't hurt to ask the all of you guys since you've all worked on these things.

 

[SuperGordo]

/\ Did Ford use the E7 male torx head on the 5.0 studs ? Like on the 4.0's..... not a common socket to have.... just a heads up...

We can look back at my pics with the valve covers off. But I’d doubt a 302 has E bolts of any kind.

 

[SuperGordo]

Just went out and moved the EX. Havent run it since before noon today. It started right up. Didn’t stall. Just a hint of a change in rpm and it settled down to idle.

 

[410Fortune]

The trans mount actually came in two pieces? I would say it was time to replace that sucker

 

[SuperGordo]

The trans mount actually came in two pieces? I would say it was time to replace that sucker

Yeah, the bottom half fell out as soon as I lifted the trans up a bit.

 

[CDW6212R]

Is the IAC new or how did the old one clean up? That's a big item for idle issues and can create trouble with it.

 

[SuperGordo]

Is the IAC new or how did the old one clean up? That's a big item for idle issues and can create trouble with it.

Brand new Hitachi part installed. Maybe I'll try the old one again.

 

[CDW6212R]

New is good, the OEM units are really good long term. As long as it has no glaring idle issues I'd stock with that one, or test with the old one if trouble shooting is needed.

I drive my cars hard, so if I hear or feel something different, I try to make it show itself clearly. Give it some time and slowly work into it, get used to it and drive it harder for brief periods. You have changed so much, it may take some time to pinpoint anything.

 

[Lee's Automotive]

New is good, the OEM units are really good long term. As long as it has no glaring idle issues I'd stock with that one, or test with the old one if trouble shooting is needed.

I drive my cars hard, so if I hear or feel something different, I try to make it show itself clearly. Give it some time and slowly work into it, get used to it and drive it harder for brief periods. You have changed so much, it may take some time to pinpoint anything.

Give it the Italian tune-up (WOT on the highway let them bald eagles scream)

 

[SuperGordo]

Brand new Hitachi part installed.

Give it the Italian tune-up (WOT on the highway let them bald eagles scream)

My daughter got the EX registered today, So I can take it out for the Italian tune up tomorrow!

 

[Lee's Automotive]

My daughter got the EX registered today, So I can take it out for the Italian tune up tomorrow!

Heck yeah bro maybe you should do seafoam through the intake and then do it so you can blow all the old carbon and junk out of it

 

[SuperGordo]

Heck yeah bro maybe you should do seafoam through the intake and then do it so you can blow all the old carbon and junk out of it

I probably will, but I was able to clean most of the carbon out when I did the valve seals. I carb cleaned the heck out of the intake valves directly thru the intake port on the head.

 

[SuperGordo]

New is good, the OEM units are really good long term. As long as it has no glaring idle issues I'd stock with that one, or test with the old one if trouble shooting is needed.

I drive my cars hard, so if I hear or feel something different, I try to make it show itself clearly. Give it some time and slowly work into it, get used to it and drive it harder for brief periods. You have changed so much, it may take some time to pinpoint anything.

The issue is semi subtle, Tomorrow I can actually take the EX on a real drive. Maybe I can see what's going on.

 

[SuperGordo]

Took a nice little highway ride tonight. Runs nice and stable at highway speeds. Handles well, good power, steers straight.

 

[SuperGordo]

Very comfortable and fun to drive.

 

[Lee's Automotive]

Took a nice little highway ride tonight. Runs nice and stable at highway speeds. Handles well, good power, steers straight.

Did you do the Italian tune up?

 

[SuperGordo]

Did you do the Italian tune up?

Yeah, I gave it heavy throttle. Feels good!

 

[CDW6212R]

Yeah, I gave it heavy throttle. Feels good!

Did you notice that the V8 jumps off the line very well? It's has a lot more grunt than the 4.0 V6's, I believe that torque converter is one of the best Ford has ever used behind a 302.

When I fixed my throttle cable bracket last week, I definitely could feel the difference on initial pedal pressure. My bracket was weak/loose enough that the power had become softer, and I hadn't really noticed it. The V6 of my 99's, the SOHC, it feels faster up at speed, due to the better close ratio 5-speed. But the 5.0 gets a fast head start in the first 60 feet, and the V6 tries to catch up.