Car stall, intermittent starting problem 2003 4.0 Explorer

[4FordFamily]

A few months ago when I put my car in to reverse it died. Since then, no related issues other than a slight "miss" if idling for 5-10 mins or so (I pay attention closely).

So the other day I remote started my truck, no go.

I got in, turned the key, it started then it struggled a lot, and then leveled out. It started each time afterward no problem.

What am I looking at? Fuel pump going bad? I know these explorers are notorious for this. I did flush the fuel system, and replace fuel filter recently, but this was after the initial issue.

IAC valve? something else?

 

[NENC Explorer]

A few months ago when I put my car in to reverse it died. Since then, no related issues other than a slight "miss" if idling for 5-10 mins or so (I pay attention closely).

So the other day I remote started my truck, no go.

I got in, turned the key, it started then it struggled a lot, and then leveled out. It started each time afterward no problem.

What am I looking at? Fuel pump going bad? I know these explorers are notorious for this. I did flush the fuel system, and replace fuel filter recently, but this was after the initial issue.

IAC valve? something else?

Did it throw a code?

If it did and you cant afford to go to ford to get it checked go to advance auto parts and ask them to check it, if they tell you its says "x" bank is lean then the culprit is likely the intake manifold seals (4.0 SOHC). The seals tend to dry rot and the problem will worsen with time in cold weather, hot weather you wont see a problem because the seals will swell due to heat not allowing any air in after the Mafs.

 

[4FordFamily]

Did it throw a code?

If it did and you cant afford to go to ford to get it checked go to advance auto parts and ask them to check it, if they tell you its says "x" bank is lean then the culprit is likely the intake manifold seals (4.0 SOHC). The seals tend to dry rot and the problem will worsen with time in cold weather, hot weather you wont see a problem because the seals will swell due to heat not allowing any air in after the Mafs.

I haven't had it checked, the light isn't on. I guess that's a good idea to have the code checked.

I am used to getting my old truck serviced which auto stores didn't have reader for.

Intake manifold seals.. how hard are those to replace?

 

[zerodevil]

i dont know about the v6, but on my v8 i can do a complete removal, gasket install and coolant refill in less than an hour and a half... so id say very easy to easy with standard tools?.

Do you have provisions to moniter your fuel pressure? (its a little gauge that you attach to the fuel rail, fairly inexpensive). if your fuel pressure should be around 60 psi at ALL times(as per 03+ explorers, both engines).

How old is the IAC valve?

Regular maint done i assume?

My money is on either fuel delivery issues, or an ignition failure. have you had your coil packs checked?

 

[4FordFamily]

i dont know about the v6, but on my v8 i can do a complete removal, gasket install and coolant refill in less than an hour and a half... so id say very easy to easy with standard tools?.

Do you have provisions to moniter your fuel pressure? (its a little gauge that you attach to the fuel rail, fairly inexpensive). if your fuel pressure should be around 60 psi at ALL times(as per 03+ explorers, both engines).

How old is the IAC valve?

Regular maint done i assume?

My money is on either fuel delivery issues, or an ignition failure. have you had your coil packs checked?

Car does need tune-up, and IAC valve hasn't been replaced yet. 112k on the clock.

 

[zerodevil]

112K is a little past due for a new IAC, my manual calls for service every 80 or 100K i believe (lol 112 is past both though). get your coils checked (can do yourself i believe), replace sparkplugs and wires. and go from there.

 

[NENC Explorer]

I don't mean to under mind Zero's post's but you really need to get it checked for codes before doing ANYTHING.....

The plastic intake mani on the 4.0 SOHC is a bit harder to do than a 4.6 or a 5.0 due to the way it is delivered to the plenum and the fact that every tube has a gasket. there is a lot to take off just to get down to what you need to replace.

Unless your a seasoned mechanic (if this happens to be your problem) I would set aside a nice (moisture free) weekend to do it.

 

[4FordFamily]

thank you all for your input. Busy week with finals coming up but I will make it to get code checked ASAP. Guess I am driving the beater truck or charger until then!