I Need Some Repair Advice

[ford4joe]

Hey everyone, as this is my first post I'd just like to say how useful and awesome this forum is! I've been able to solve every question I'd had about my truck thanks to this place. That said, I need some advice.

I have a 2000 Explorer Sport, OHV. It's been running fine for the 9 months I've owned it until two weeks ago, I got my first CEL. The infamous (it seems) P0171 & P0174. I searched the forums and decided it was likely the MAF sensor, so I replaced it and the truck was fine. Now, I'm getting the same codes again, and there is a debate between me and my friend, who happens to be a mechanic.

He says that it's the O2 Sensors(both) or its the Catalytic Converter. I think it's the Intake Manifold. Now, being a college student, I don't have the money to replace ALL of that, so I'd like to narrow the list down.

The confusing part is that the truck runs 100% fine. No rough idle, no hesitation, no weird sounds. The only thing I can think of is that I can often smell coolant from the engine after I've been driving for awhile.

Any ideas as to what is the problem??

 

[my98nnj]

Both banks lean, I'd bet it's a vacuum leak somewhere over both o2's.

 

[tocmol]

Both banks lean, I'd bet it's a vacuum leak somewhere over both o2's.

i think my98nnj you're right..

 

[ford4joe]

Thanks for the replys

If it's a vacuum leak, shouldn't I hear a sound coming from the engine compartment? I can't hear any abnormal sounds.

And also, what would be my options in terms of fixing the leak? Should I replace my O2 sensors as my friend as told me? Or handle the vacuum leak? Both?

 

[imp]

Emissions......

The truck runs fine, yes? Money is tight, yes? So, unless the truck must pass a mandated emissions test (which it will fail automatically when they see a CEL), driving the truck as it is, with the CEL "on", will not harm it.

My concern, were it mine, would be more focussed on the source of smelling leaking engine coolant, which might be nothing more than a heater core, or possibly an engine leak. imp

 

[princecasanova]

hey dude it's a vacuum leak somewhere over both o2's and unless the truck must pass a mandated emissions test there will be no more problem. i recommend bringing it to the nearest shop on your area. heres a source where you can check out the Car Repair Costs before going to the shop.

 

[ford4joe]

My inspection isn't up until June 2011, so I'm good there. But as for fixing the vacuum leak, should I just head to Autozone for new hoses, or is there an easier fix? Sorry to ask, but I haven't found the information I need on this site.. atleast for an OHV.

For easier diagnosis I've added a picture to show where the coolant leak was coming from.

http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/3148/ohvdemoimage.jpg

The Green Arrow: Was where I was looking for a vac leak. Don't see anything wrong.
The Red Arrow: Just below this belt is where I see the coolant leak. It's not that much, but I can see it dripping out every now and then in the mornings. What does that mean?

 

[waskly]

intake gaskets.

 

[pickupman6]

the leak could be coming from the seep hole in your waterpump. and since u cant find any vacuum leaks i would say replace your fuel filter. mine was throwin the same codes and i had a bunch of people sayin it was this and that, but i went ahead and bought a fuel filter installed it, cleared the code and almost a year later still no problems.

 

[ford4joe]

... Gah I'm confused XD

I don't think it's the fuel filter. I did a quick Google search, and I don't think I'm having any of the signs of a fouled filter, but I'll change it anyway with my next oil change.

This morning I went to start it up (a bit cold outside) and as the engine started warming up, it began to idle a little rough until the anti-stall kicked in I think. And like other people have mentioned, once it's warm, its good to go.

I was actually thinking about just leaving the light on for awhile, but as it gets colder outside, the last thing I need is my engine to start stalling on me.

Thank you for the responses guys, I really appreciate them. I'll take it to the shop Monday and see what my Dad's mechanic says.