5.0 Engine Codes! (Getting Tired of These!!!!)

[RoCkrMAN]

Well I have a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 and I have the stupid CEL codes...
System Too Lean (Bank 1) (P0171)
System Too Lean (Bank 2) (P0174)
and
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2) (P0141)

I have changed the upper intake gasket, MAF (with a 4.0 Not sure if that helped or not it runs so much smoother now), Air Temp, Air Change Temp. I am sick of that check engine light on! and I heard running lean is bad for it. And when I search Google,yahoo, and the forum all I see is the 4.0's. Am I the only one with a 5.0 with the stupid codes?

At first on cold startups the vehicle would run like crap, Sputter, stall, backfire. I changed all the above and it went off for a while, but OF COURSE, its back..

I'm sure this is one reason why this explorer is so slow now.. Had a 10,000lb chevy avalanche 5.3 leave me in 2nd? Somethings not right...

Well if anyone could help me it would be appreciated!

 

[koda2000]

lean means too much air and not enough fuel for proper combustion. running and engine lean will cause dramatically increased cylinder temps. that's a bad thing.

it is very common for the 4.0's (especially the SOHC engine) to throw these codes, due to manifold gaskets/o-rings leaks. not so much the 5.0's, but the problem will typically be caused by the same thing. vacuum leaks. start by inspecting ALL your vacuum hoses, connections and vacuum operated devices. on a '97 there's a good chance you're got some rotten/cracked hoses and/or broken vacuum lines. don't forget to check all your PCV hoses and elbows as well as your intake hose from the MAF to the throttle body.

 

[Turdle]

Especially the grommet where the PCV hose enters the lower intake. Dead center in the rear, just where you can barely get to it.


Also, another area that could leak a lot of vacuum is the brake booster.

The rear 02 sensor code "could" be limiting fuel delivery --

 

[koda2000]

Especially the grommet where the PCV hose enters the lower intake. Dead center in the rear, just where you can barely get to it.


Also, another area that could leak a lot of vacuum is the brake booster.

The rear 02 sensor code "could" be limiting fuel delivery --

good thought re the brake booster. i thought i had read that the rear 02 sensor did not influence fuel delivery ???