can't figure this out help needed

[97exlpoerjunk]

I have a 97 explorer XL 4.0 it started running really bad and mis-firing so i replaced the plugs and wirers it ran fine but now again it is doing the same thing after 3 months it is mis-firing and running ruff. but some times when i first start it i can smell fums in the truck and sometimes it will run fin and then start mis-firing the code i got was P0300 mis-fire on multabel cyclenders i pulled out all the plugs and checked them cyclender 4 was covered in gas and a few other ones smelled like they were the truck has 133k on it any help would be great thanks

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

Well now my OD light is blinking on and off

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

bump help please

 

[xplorercrazy]

Some possibilities are leaking injectors or ruptured fuel pressure regulator.

 

[bantonich]

pull your intake manifold, get in there and check your injectors(o rings), then go from there.
Sounds like a possible minor fuel leak if your truck ran fine for 3 months after changing plugs and wires.

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

Do i have to pull the intake manifold? can't i just pull the injectors and replace the O-Rings? that sounds like a lot of work and money

 

[bantonich]

pulling the manifold is easier than it sounds, if you do a search you will find a couple good write ups with pics that walk you through everything. and if you can pull it off yourself this will be a cheap fix.
Those o rings are known to go bad, and at 133k miles, sounds like that could be it

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

ok replaced the O-Rings and it still miss-fireing and running bad and still have the gas fumes smell to any other thoughts?

 

[bantonich]

is it a SOHC or OHV?

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

i think it is OHV not sure how would i tell?

 

[kstrayhorn]

look under the hood, it should be molded into a plastic piece covering a pulley or something, I don't remember what the piece is covering on mine atm. Or just look on the sticker on the driver's door jamb, I think it should say there.

 

[xplorercrazy]

The 8th # of the VIN X=OHV E=SOHC

 

[backfrmcolorado]

Ok all good thoughts on a bove post. If you have checked all fuel issues you may want to move to electrical... check your coil pack. My 94 had a similar problem. It slowly went out on me running on 5 cyl 4cyl then perfect back to ruff and finaly i thik 2 cyl. Its easy to check just make sure you wear a leater glove (dont think you want to get the shock of yur life)

* Start by poppin the hood start the engine and one at a time pull each plug wire off the coil pack about a half inch and check for spark. If the coil pack is going bad and running on less then 6 cyl the dead cyl or cyl's will take in fuel and not burn it leading to the smell. Thats all i can think of after it not being fuel related. Hope this small idea helps. Good luck with the fix and keep us posted.

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

Ok thanks the 8th digit of the vin is X so i guess it's OHV i will test the coil to this is really begining to be a real chore and i want to thank everyone for there help as for i love my explorer

 

[97exlpoerjunk]

bump