Cold Start Stahling and P/S pump groaning ??

[Damn Yankee]

Hey All,

My first posting on this forum!

Just picked up a 98 4x2 EB Edition yesterday afternoon. It has 45,000 and is excellent overall shape minus a couple annoying little problems.

This morning was the first time I've had the opportunity to do a Cold Start. Temperature down here was in the low 30s last night and around 40 degrees when I attempted to start my truck.

The engine crank and started up OK, but stahled out after a couple of seconds. Restarted fine but still would NOT idle and stahled out again. I again did a restart and held the idle up around 1500 RPM for a minute or so. Let it idle again and it stahled out once more.

Finally after another restart and holding a high idle 1500-2000RPM for a few minutes, the truck began to hold it's own idle without stahling.

So my question is; What components or issues fo I need to be looking at here ??

I've read about a Recall concerning Intake gaskets somewhere. I have not yet had the opportunity to have the VIN researched for it's past history, so I don't know what has/has not been done as of yet.

Also, we noticed during the test drive, that the P/S pump was making a groaning noise (while turning the wheel). I've read also that this may simply be air in the PS lines... How does air get into these lines in the first place ??

BTW, the dealer (I bought the truck off of), is going to fix a couple of things for us next week already. I'll be telling him of this problem as well.

What do you all suggest ??

Thanks!

-ERIC

 

[Jason_25]

First problem is your IAC. Second, pord power steering pumps just make groaning noises. They're all pretty loud.

 

[Damn Yankee]

Hey Jason,

Thanks for the fast reply!

First problem is your IAC.

Wouldn't the idle be screwed up when the engine is warm also if the IAC was the culprit ??

I'm thinking maybe a Engine Temperature Sensor.... ??



Thanks,

-ERIC

 

[Jason_25]

Actually I have seen other posts on the board with the same thing happening. They still concluded it was the IAC. It's very common with your model year vehicle. Also, about the PS pump when I said "pord" I meant to say "Ford"

 

[Damn Yankee]

Actually I have seen other posts on the board with the same thing happening. They still concluded it was the IAC. It's very common with your model year vehicle.

Roger that Jason. Does cleaning the IAC cure the problem or is replacing it the answer ??

Is there a cleaning procedure somewhere in a Tech Forum available ??



Thanks,

-ERIC

 

[Jason_25]

Well i've never tried to clean it before but I beleive just cleaning the throttle body and butterfly valve may do it. Just make sure the cleaner you is oxygen sensor safe. There's some sort of coating in the intake that should not be broken down. Hope that helps.

 

[IgotTwo]

Just cleaned mine today...I'm narrowing in on a "no start"- "rough start" on my 97.

IAC cleaning - No brainer.. went to parts place and spent a few bucks for spray clean (like I need another can of crap) Removed the thing. Held it a little inverted, as a I sprayed to wash out the carbon and "gunkus" that was in there and a finished off with a mild blast from air hose. Did it twice. Used a clean rag and the spray, gentley, on the stubborn spots.

Keep on eye on the "O rings" when you take it apart. I didn't think I needed to replace mine. Don't over torque it ..you're screwing into plastic and brass "gromets" ...you probably know that
Should be no problemo.

Unless you're like me:.... and you loose the wrench, then the bolt drops throught the engine and you forget were you put the spray can and if that isn't enough the drop light blub goes out. hahaha

When I went to use the spray can, it was DOA! I had to trek back to parts place. Check yours before you leave the store, if you have to pick one up (just kidding)
Go for it!

 

[Damn Yankee]

Well, I've spent MANY hours this evening reading thru the rec.autos.maker.ford.explorer newsgroup. I searched back thru June 01.

Seems this cold start/stahl problem is more than likely a result of blown lower intake gaskets. (Recall item). BUT a dirty IAC valve ALSO gives the same symptom it seems.

I haven't yet figured out how to differentiate between the (2) issues.

Any ideas ??

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

If you want to know if you have a blown lower intake gasket then just take a can od WD-40 or Ether and spray around the gasket and see if the motor revs up. If it does then your gasket is blown, if not then you're fine. Cleaning the IAC doesn't always fix it. It can still be stuck inside. It doesn't cost all that much to just buy one.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by MSTNGGUY88
If you want to know if you have a blown lower intake gasket then just take a can od WD-40 or Ether and spray around the gasket and see if the motor revs up. If it does then your gasket is blown, if not then you're fine. Cleaning the IAC doesn't always fix it. It can still be stuck inside. It doesn't cost all that much to just buy one.

WD-40 was way too thick to troubleshoot my leaking manifold o-rings. All it did was provide a nice covering of oil all over everything. The official Ford procedure is to inject propane around the lower intake manifold while the engine is running and monitor the short-term fuel trims. That is what I did to verify my o-rings were leaking. Now that you mention it though, I do believe my idle changed a bit when the propane was being sprayed so it would probably work if the leak is bad enough. For propane I used one a propane torch from Wal-mart that cost about $10. It worked great. Put the attachment on the included bottle and put the end down around my lower intake manifold. Turn the flow knob to let the propane out. I could direct it anywhere I wanted to. The best part was it didn't leave oil all over my engine.

 

[Damn Yankee]

Seems this cold start/stahl problem is more than likely a result of blown lower intake gaskets. (Recall item). BUT a dirty IAC valve ALSO gives the same symptom it seems.

I haven't yet figured out how to differentiate between the (2) issues.

Turns out (after going to the Dealer yesterday) that the Cold Starting issue was a result of the bad intake gaskets.

The service dude said the Bad Intake issue WILL display the Check Engine light whereas a dirty/bad IAC valve will NOT trigger the Check Engine light.

Also, the dealership replaced the High pressure power steering hose to help control the "groaning" noise. He said there is a revised P/S hose that has a "Muffler" type device inside that helps to muffle to groaning noise.
Must be a TSB on it somewhere.


I had the Recall 00M12 performed today and the truck is now starting and running MUCH better!!