97 Explorer XLT 4.0L failed UK emissions.

[Old Cool Ford]

Hello from the UK and please can someone advise me on the following. I am thinking of buying a 97 4.0 V6 which has failed UK emissions test and runs rough. A mechanic has advised the current owner that the CATs may need replacing. The car is otherwise in reasonable condition for it's age and has only done 88k miles. If I buy the car I will get it cheap. Is it worth bothering with or should I walk away?

 

[jlsparky7]

I doubt the cats need replacing at only 88k miles. More than likely its something simple like a vacuum leak or intake leak. By rough idle do you mean inconsistent? Some people on the forum have a problem with a high idle on the 4.0 ohv I believe.

Buy it, throw a can or 2 of seafoam through it, new plugs, new wires, new vacuum lines if needed. Should run like new. Check out the how to's in my signature.

 

[Old Cool Ford]

By rough idle do you mean inconsistent? .

Thank you for your advice. By running rough I meant that the car hesitates and misfires, particularly when cold.

 

[jlsparky7]

Thank you for your advice. By running rough I meant that the car hesitates and misfires, particularly when cold.

Gotcha. Do what I mentioned above, if that doesnt work try some fuel injection cleaner like lucas. If that doesnt work your looking at a clogged injector. Doubtful that it will go that far. Probably just a plug or wire.

Go luck and update us with how it goes!