FPR Question, Please Help!

[myrtlebeachexpl]

I have a 93 Ford Explorer. I am ahving a very poor idle, a slight odor or gas and black smoke coming out of the tailpipe. The end of my tailpipe is covered with build up. A definite loss of power is evident. I've already changed the Purge Valve and checked for vacuum leaks. I think I may need a new Fuel Pressure Regulator. I read an article stating something on the lines that if the Vacuum Hose from the FPR is dry, that it is probably ok. Well, mine is SURELY NOT! It's covered in a slippery substance, perhaps gas? Maybe Oil? Could this be a sign of a bad FPR? Please advise.

 

[shamaal]

Yes you have a problem, the Fuel Pressure Regulator as the name implies maitains a steady pressue for the fuel injection system. They have leaked in the past, but it's always gas.
The other possibility is applicable if you have an automatic transmission. There is a common problem with the transmission modulator leaking. As it is attached to the vaccum tree it either blows the connector off or allows transmission fluid to be sucked up into the vacuum manifold and all attached parts (FPR).
Do a search on modulator and vacuum for a large number of threads. Feel free to ask questions.

 

[shamaal]

Maybe not necessary, but picture showing location of FPR on the 4.0 OHV.

 

[myrtlebeachexpl]

Hmmm..interesting. Coincidentally, I am having some issues with my Transmission as well. So you're saying that the gas fumes, poor idle, loss of power and bad gas mileage could all be symptoms of the trans modulator leaking? Or both? Or what would you think?

My transmission has been slipping a little over the last few weeks. Especially when the engine is cold in the morning. When it warms up, it's a little better but once I add tranny fluid I have no issues until about a few wks later... clearly a leak somwhere.


Some of the vacuum hoses are on the tree are VERY slippery. Covered in some substance, could be tranny fluid, maybe oil, I don't know. What is your take on this? The hoses also have been coming off a few times. One time 2 of them fell off, and I'm afraid I may have hooked them up wrong and switched the 2 that came off. Could this cause any problems or do all the vacuum ports provide the same suction?

However, the FPR vacuum hose is very slippery at the end and sometimes slips right off.
Are transmission modulators expensive? Hard to fix? Please advise. What is your take on this? Where is the modulator located, do you have a picture?

Jeff

 

[shamaal]

I have a manual transmission so I can't provide pictures. See http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106681&highlight=modulator+leak+vacuum+hoses

for a verbal description. To answer your question your problems could be the result of ATF in the intake, I can't imagine it burns well and it most certainly honks up the air/fuel mixture.

If any questions post them, and one of the other automatic transmission savvy denizens will reply.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The modulator is located on the passenger's side of the transmission to the rear of the servo covers. It has a vacuum line connected to it. Pull it off, and check for ATF. Just be careful not to lose the small pin inside of the modulator when you pull it off.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a picture from Glacier991's photo gallery:

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a picture of the pin inside of it (also from Glacier991's photo gallery).

 

[myrtlebeachexpl]

Transmission Module Replacement

Replaced the Transmission Module today...and let me tell you, that is no fun job! Initially, I pulled back the carpet and removed the access plate and was going to do the replacement with that route, but it was suck a tight squeeze. I then wanted to go from underneath; remove the cat and heat shield, but the bolts on the cat were rusted and seized.

So I went through the access plate, which by the way, barely gives you enough room to get a wrench in there, let alone your own freakin' hand. I don't recommend this, as I am sure there are more convenient tools to use, but I took my hack saw and made the access plate bigger, haha.

Glaciers advice was helpful in stepping me through this replacement job.

The nuts finally came off and the modulator popped out. Getting the modulator back in took little effort, and greasing the end of it was too thank for that.

Transmission isn't slipping anymore, and my CEL isn't on all the time anymore, but frequently illuminated from time to time. Next is replacing the Fuel Pressure Regulator. Any detailed step through of this procedure so that I don't mess anything up and/or catch myself on fire. Photos are always a help.

Thanks again to Glacier for his transmission intellect.

 

[shamaal]

Looking good!

To change the FPR:

First relieve the fuel pressure. Pull back the top of the passenger carpet and disconnect the connector from the inertia switch, the one with the red button on the firewall. Start the engine and let it run till it stops. There are a couple of other methods; do a search for directions.

Removal of the FPR on the OHV is straightforward. See pic above. Unscrew the ful line, and unbolt the two 10mm bolts. Installation is reverse, don't forget to reconnect the inertia switch before starting. Wear eye protection.

If you wish to test the FPR prior to removal, there's an excellent sticky in the UNDER THE HOOD subforum http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=12

You mention the CEL comes on. Before removing anything, I would recommend bringing your car into Autozone and have them read the codes for free. Then come back to the forum, do some research and ask questions. Do NOT let them sell you an O2 sensor or catalytic converter until after doing some research. They're nice guys but can be dim at times. I would guess as a minimum there are some components on the intake side that have to be cleaned.

 

[myrtlebeachexpl]

...gotcha! As to Autozone (and Advanced Auto Parts) free error reading - in the past I have asked both if they would pull my error codes for the CEL, and unfortunately both said that they can only do that for vehicles yeared 1995 and up. This is in South Carolina, not sure as to what the others will do or not.

I'm leaning towards the FPR because of it's symptoms I read in past threads. In summary, when sitting still I have a rough idle, black stuff is all over the end of my tailpipe and when idling I blow out a little black smoke. The fumes from the truck are ridiculously disgusting. It's almost nauseating. The idle fluctuates from time to time by itself and there is clear loss in power. My gas mileage is horrendous too! The CEL comes on and off from time to time but mostly stays on. The vacuum line going to the FPR is covered in some substance, maybe oil or gas I don't know.

Thank you for the help though. I know exactly where the switch is and will use that to relieve the pressure. I'll be sure to follow up and let you know if I run into any problems. Seems like a pretty simply job, especially compared to the pain in the ass it was to change the Tranmission Modulator, ha.

I have already cleaned the IAC.

Jeff

 

[BrooklynBay]

Change the fuel filter when you replace the fuel pressure regulator.

 

[Davek1]

I have a 96 explorer 4.0 i have new plugs and wires in it and i still get 11mph what is making me get poor gas mileage????

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check AlDive's thread called quest for 30. He managed to get better gas mileage than anybody on this forum by making different kinds of modifications. Everything is detailed in that thread. Here is the link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44372

 

[Davek1]

how bout a cheap but good way to lower my explorer

 

[BrooklynBay]

There is a section called seriously lowered suspension. Look at the forum page. Here is the link just in case you might have a problem finding it: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=46

 

[shamaal]

MBE, when you're through with your FPR and if you still get codes, try reading your codes through the Check Engine Light (CEL). Consult Mr. Shorty's sticky in the EEC IV subforum:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147734

You will need to install a jumper, then follow directions, but you won't have to buy a scanner. If there is something unclear, ask questions. There are some crackerjack techs in this forum.