Help with tune-up issues

[rangerdoc275]

Please see the link to the post below. It is where I have several posts about my issues and it's easier to read it than list it all again. The thread is from the Bullitt Mustang forums where I'm also a member.

Thanks!

http://www.imboc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155909

 

[Pensa]

You have this posted in the gen two forum and you have a gen three, but I will try to answer.

Your original problem as I read your posts was pinging. There are several things I know of that could cause pinging. Timing, over heating, running lean, carbon buildup, octane (that shouldn't be a problem since it should run on 87 octane just fine).

You did say the code thrown by the CEL light indicated lean, so that would be where I would start. Never having had this problem, but having read posts of those who have it could be an intake gasket problem.

Now to the rough running problem. Anytime I do some work on the engine and it runs worse than before I have to assume it's something I did causing it or a faulty part I put in.

You stated you changed the plugs and wires on the drivers side and that was when it started running rough. IMO it has to be either a faulty plug (yes I got one once) or plug wire or you have crossed the wires or knocked something loose. The plugs are difficult to get too and you may have knocked something loose without knowing it.

Changing the plugs on the passenger side is no picnic, but possible by going through the wheel well. A set of wobble extensions makes the job easier.

I just changed the plugs in mine since the local garage wanted $55 labor to do it. God only knows what Ford would charge.

 

[rangerdoc275]

That's what's kicking my butt. I know it must have been something I did. I did the wires one at a time so I wouldn't mess up the order. I'm going to pull the wires while it's running to see if one of them doesn't make a difference. It's the only thing I can think of. I'll take a triple look for any connectors I may have knocked loose.

BTW, the forum states for 02+ Sports and Sport Tracs to post here. Not trying to be a smart a$$...just saying Assuming I read it correctly.

 

[Pensa]

BTW, the forum states for 02+ Sports and Sport Tracs to post here. Not trying to be a smart a$$...just saying Assuming I read it correctly.

It's no big deal you posted to this forum, you may have gotten more answers from gen three owners had it been posted there.

I know I normally answer posts related to the gen twos since that is what I have and am most familiar with. Your problem seemed to bridge the gen gap and is why I answered it.

Pulling one wire at a time may solve your problem if one of them doesn't make a difference. That will tell you it's either the plug or plug wire. That would be the simple solution.

 

[rangerdoc275]

Well, wouldn't you know it. The simple test was the easy answer. Why didn't I do that before. You can read the whole saga and solution by following the link in the first post, but I solved the issue. Basically, the number one plug was bad. I probably damaged it when I tried to remove it the first time or trying to get the stubborn plug socket off. I still get a bit of pinging with fast starting uphill, but it does run better than before I started all this.

Thanks for helping Pensa.

 

[Pensa]

You are welcome, I'm glad it turned out to be the simple solution.

Did you get the plugs changed on the passenger side?

 

[James909]

Glad you got your problem fixed. But regarding the pinging, I agree with what Pensa said, I think that the pinging is probably caused by a lower intake leak which is why the computer threw lean codes. Another possibility though is the timing chain. The SOHC engines had a problem with the timing chain tensioner where the timing chain would slap against the tensioner making a sound that very closely resembles pinging. Here is a link with more information:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298

 

[Pensa]

Glad you got your problem fixed. But regarding the pinging, I agree with what Pensa said, I think that the pinging is probably caused by a lower intake leak which is why the computer threw lean codes. Another possibility though is the timing chain. The SOHC engines had a problem with the timing chain tensioner where the timing chain would slap against the tensioner making a sound that very closely resembles pinging. Here is a link with more information:http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298

If it was the timing chain I don't think it would have thrown the lean codes. I don't have the OHC engine, but I have had OHC engines where the timing chain would rattle after it became worn.

 

[rangerdoc275]

I still have two plugs and wire on the passenger side that need changed. I tried like heck to figure out an easy way to get to them when I went through the wheel well. But, with all the frustration I already had at such a simple task I just gave up. I've got a buddy that will do it for me. I simply do not have the patience to try and figure out those last two.

I've been worried about the timing chain on this because of the high mileage. Considering it looks like no major maintenance has been done on this vehicle I'm sure it could go for a new one. I've changed them on my 69 mustang, but I have a feeling it won't be as easy on this vehicle.

I'm not too worried about the pinging. It is less than it was before and I still have to wait for the fuel cleaner to get through the system. Also, it might get a small bit better with the last two plugs changed. I'm sure hooking it up to a computer would show the need for a minor tweak or two in the timing, a/f ratio, but it really isn't that big of an issue now.

 

[Pensa]

Mine is a 95 and I don't know if yours would be more difficult or not, but I used a 3/8" drive and wobble extensions and it wasn't that bad. I don't think you can do it with a 1/2" drive. I did use different length extensions on different plugs.

 

[rangerdoc275]

I finally found the issue causing the lean condition! There is a location where the upper radiator hose loops over the engine a bit. Underneath the radiator hose is a 90 degree vacuum elbow connector. The heat from the radiator hose had melted a hole into the elbow. Since I've replaced the elbow my CEL has remained off. However, I still haven't been able to get rid of the pinging under accelertion/load.