98 Ford Explorer 4.0 SOHC V:I:N E intermittently cuts out!

[Mel G]

Hello guys. My 98 Explorer 4.0L has had an issue for a couple of years now.
It has around 200,000 miles that being said it’s been well cared for and maintained.
Including tune ups all new timing chain components that I’ve replaced.
What it’s doing is the engine cuts out just like you turn the key off then back on.
Then it runs fine for some time. So I’ve replaced the crank sensor from Ford and the problem didn’t occur for a few months. Now that its getting warmer the issue has returned. There’s no codes and with my Snapon scanner I don’t see anything that looks Suspicious.
I’ve replaced the fuel pump and filter for other reasons and that system is working great.
I’m a retired auto mechanic but this one has me stumped a little. Is there any known issues for this model that you can suggest?
Thank you…

 

[Fix4Dirt]

whats pressure at the rail when hot? i had bad luck with one once, it was new, but didnt give me any more pressure than the failing one. but thats suspicious it went away after the crank sensor. all wiring good? not too sure on this one! welcome to EF!!!!

 

[donalds]

Take a look at your pcm relay

 

[CJYoung]

Hello guys. My 98 Explorer 4.0L has had an issue for a couple of years now.
It has around 200,000 miles that being said it’s been well cared for and maintained.
Including tune ups all new timing chain components that I’ve replaced.
What it’s doing is the engine cuts out just like you turn the key off then back on.
Then it runs fine for some time. So I’ve replaced the crank sensor from Ford and the problem didn’t occur for a few months. Now that its getting warmer the issue has returned. There’s no codes and with my Snapon scanner I don’t see anything that looks Suspicious.
I’ve replaced the fuel pump and filter for other reasons and that system is working great.
I’m a retired auto mechanic but this one has me stumped a little. Is there any known issues for this model that you can suggest?
Thank you…

View attachment 430146

Happened to my 99 4.0
Unplugged Mass Air, got me home.
Put new one on from the Zone, 8 months No Prob

 

[Mel G]

whats pressure at the rail when hot? i had bad luck with one once, it was new, but didnt give me any more pressure than the failing one. but thats suspicious it went away after the crank sensor. all wiring good? not too sure on this one! welcome to EF!!!!

I’ll have to check that to see.

 

[BTR]

@Mel G - In the pinned posts, see the post entitled "2nd gen issues? Try this first!". I'm not saying the fix for your problem is there, but the post contains info that might help you track it down. Good luck with it.

 

[allmyEXes]

@Mel G On my '97, when I changed my Crankshaft Position Sensor, I replaced the connector too. So far, no problem since then. Knock on wood.

 

[CDW6212R]

Those are good possibilities. My last 98 also stops briefly on occasion, I've figured it was a bad connection, the relay is a wise thought too, to replace. Thanks @donalds.

 

[Daymon Powell]

Try jiggling the coil connector while it's running see if it dies.I had a bad conn. that defied detection until I moved the wiring harness close to ECM then it died.
Good luck.

 

[Mel G]

That sure is a great idea. I’m definitely going to look at this. Thanks for the suggestion.