Thallarsen
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- February 21, 2000
- Messages
- 126
- Reaction score
- 8
- City, State
- Potomac, Maryland
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '99 5.0 Limited AWD
At this point, I’ve taken care of all of the little nagging repair/replacement items that come about on early Explorers with high mileage. At 210k w/ original engine/trans/rear; no major rebuilds, I recommend these trucks to anyone looking for economical 4x4 transportation, or even one who can afford much more. I can solidly dispute anybody who says that 1st gen. Explorers are trouble. Maybe I’m lucky, but everything’s relative......
Given the undisputed reliability and quality of any Toyota truck for instance, you need to compare the cost of the vehicle, it’s parts and the limited supply of aftermarket parts, and the labor rates to those of Explorers. I can’t knock Toyota - they’re excellent vehicles, but replacing an Explorer’s aftermarket waterpump down at the corner mechanics twice, is still cheaper than replacing a Toyota water pump once. And here in the U.S., there’s hundreds of used Explorers to choose from compared to every 10 Toyota 4x4s. Parts for, & mechanics who are familiar with Explorers are everywhere. It’s just a matter of convenience and economics. And the usefulness & membership of this forum beats all. You can take that to the bank too.
But.....I still have a minor quirk that I’d like to fix, if I can diagnose it. Any help would be appreciated. This has been happening sporadically:
After warming up, the engine runs a wee bit rough with sluggish acceleration and less power. Not much pinging or missing unless I step on it. Usually it’s fine, and cruises up a steep hill at 80 without a heavy foot - but sometimes, it takes more gas to do it at 65 w/the same tank of gas, same conditions.
It seems like an ignition or mixture issue. I’ve recently replaced the plugs, wires, trans. modulator valve, thermostat and intake gaskets (retorqued after 2k), and run a few bottles of injector cleaner thru the system. I don’t think that it’s an intake problem, since I’ve checked the vacuum lines and retorqued the lower intake bolts. Also, the symptoms are sporadic as if it were a sensor that was acting up or something.
Recently, I replaced a faulty thermostat that kept the engine way too cold, I then disconnected the battery overnight to ‘reset’ the computer. I think it made a big difference, but I still have this little quirk.
Is there a sensor that effects mixture and/or ignition that may be to blame (EEC, IV, EGI or DIS)?
Also, regarding ignition timing:
On the sticker on the radiator housing, it says “...timing is not adjustable...” but it then says "...to check timing, disconnect small in-line spout connector...”. What/where is that?
I assume that if it advises on how to check the timing, there must be a way to ‘correct’ the timing through the various components (EEC, IV, EGI or DIS) if it’s not right. Otherwise why check it? Which component(s) make the timing right?
Any help/suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks,
J.P.
Given the undisputed reliability and quality of any Toyota truck for instance, you need to compare the cost of the vehicle, it’s parts and the limited supply of aftermarket parts, and the labor rates to those of Explorers. I can’t knock Toyota - they’re excellent vehicles, but replacing an Explorer’s aftermarket waterpump down at the corner mechanics twice, is still cheaper than replacing a Toyota water pump once. And here in the U.S., there’s hundreds of used Explorers to choose from compared to every 10 Toyota 4x4s. Parts for, & mechanics who are familiar with Explorers are everywhere. It’s just a matter of convenience and economics. And the usefulness & membership of this forum beats all. You can take that to the bank too.
But.....I still have a minor quirk that I’d like to fix, if I can diagnose it. Any help would be appreciated. This has been happening sporadically:
After warming up, the engine runs a wee bit rough with sluggish acceleration and less power. Not much pinging or missing unless I step on it. Usually it’s fine, and cruises up a steep hill at 80 without a heavy foot - but sometimes, it takes more gas to do it at 65 w/the same tank of gas, same conditions.
It seems like an ignition or mixture issue. I’ve recently replaced the plugs, wires, trans. modulator valve, thermostat and intake gaskets (retorqued after 2k), and run a few bottles of injector cleaner thru the system. I don’t think that it’s an intake problem, since I’ve checked the vacuum lines and retorqued the lower intake bolts. Also, the symptoms are sporadic as if it were a sensor that was acting up or something.
Recently, I replaced a faulty thermostat that kept the engine way too cold, I then disconnected the battery overnight to ‘reset’ the computer. I think it made a big difference, but I still have this little quirk.
Is there a sensor that effects mixture and/or ignition that may be to blame (EEC, IV, EGI or DIS)?
Also, regarding ignition timing:
On the sticker on the radiator housing, it says “...timing is not adjustable...” but it then says "...to check timing, disconnect small in-line spout connector...”. What/where is that?
I assume that if it advises on how to check the timing, there must be a way to ‘correct’ the timing through the various components (EEC, IV, EGI or DIS) if it’s not right. Otherwise why check it? Which component(s) make the timing right?
Any help/suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks,
J.P.
