Explorer running lean

[mr.anderson04]

My 2001 Ford Explorer Sport just got a code where it says that its running lean in both sides and was just wondering if anyone had an idea of what would most likely cause this.

 

[MustangP51]

Welcome to the Forum.

have you replaced the fuel filter?

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome and do u got pics of ur sport

 

[mbird97x]

A likely cause is leaking intake/plenum gaskets

 

[ThePhoenix]

or bad spark plugs and wires...I am telling you guys, that was my lean code culprit...

 

[nssj2]

clean your MAF... sometimes helps, never hurts.

 

[gtyates]

I would look at the intake plenum gasket. My '97 did the same thing. After replacing O2 sensors, fuel filter, and plugs, the cure was the intake gasket.

 

[mr.anderson04]

I cleaned MAF, replaced spark plugs w/ double platinums, and now the light comes on even faster, used to take a while before like 200 miles, now comes on within 20 miles. Tried looking for leaks but none apparent, what is the best way to test for vaccuum leaks? Still running lean equally on both sides w/ codes p0171 and p0174.

 

[chriswells78]

The best way I know of to check for inktake and vacuum leaks is to take a propane torch, turn it on but don't light it and move the nozzle around likely leak areas (vacuum lines and gaskets.) If/when you come across a leak, the propane will be sucked into the engine and cause the idle to surge a little bit.

 

[mr.anderson04]

It also idles rough once in a while, i'd say 1/10 starts, could just be a problem caused by running lean but not sure.

 

[Firestorm]

It also idles rough once in a while, i'd say 1/10 starts, could just be a problem caused by running lean but not sure.

I am with Mbird97X and Gtyates on intake gaskets.

Probably just now getting bad enough to set trouble codes which are P0171 and P0174, lean on both engine banks. What usually occurs is when you first start your rig it will idle rough, sometimes you have to keep your foot on the gas to keep it from stalling. Once the motor warms up enough the gasket eventually seals. Not a hard job to do.

 

[mr.anderson04]

lean again

cleaned MAF again and code went away for a while until now, tried cleaning again but didn't work, it is running terrible now, rough idle all the time and will just stall out if you let it idle too long. Spark plugs are just a few months old and didn't find any gasket leaks so i am now at a loss for words on what is wrong with this thing, could bad plug wires cause this to happen?

 

[PhillyJustice]

I had this problem over the last couple weeks. i have read a few threads in here and the cure cost me 16 bucks. it was the upper and lower air intake manifold gaskets. On my 98 exp 4.0 it took me approx 1.5 hours to take apart clean and reattach the air intake. Be sure to look to into the cylinders while you are in there.

 

[MichaelK2233]

My buddies 2000 Explorer XLS was running lean & it ended up being an unattached hose. The hose from the intake tube to the top of the motor where you pour the oil in had came off when he changed the air filter.