Idling problem.

[FIREFLY]

Hi all I have just purchaced my first 1999 ford explorer 4.00 v6 what is happening when i first start it up from cold the Idling goes up and down erratically but once the car has warmed up it idles at 500rpm perfectly, i have changed the idler control valve but this did not do the trick, so if anyone out there has had the same problem i would be gratful for the solution.

Firefly.

 

[2000StreetRod]

intake gaskets

I assume that you have the SOHC V6. Since you have replaced the IAC valve I suspect that if you have never replaced the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, they are probably leaking. The gaskets shrink with age and cold and leak allowing unmetered air to enter the intake.

 

[FIREFLY]

Thanks for the info i will look into that and see if i can find if the manifold is taking in air.

Regards Alan.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the UK Explorer owners section. I agree that it sounds like it could be the intake manifold gaskets.

 

[janolsson]

Firefly
Get hold of the 00m12 kit (do a search for info)
This will give you all the intake gaskets as well as a couple of other bits you ought to put in if you don't know the history.
You will find it difficult (read impossible) to check the lower intake gaskets without pulling the upper and lower intakes so as they are inexpensive just replace them. The whole kit can be done in about an hour if you are handy with the spanners and have all the info to do the job. The hardest part is getting the rear upper intake bolts out unless you stand on a box and have 6 ft arms.

 

[jcasey007]

And I though I was the only one who has to stand on a box to reach

Having a 1/4" drive with a T Handle (with a TORX bit) for the upper manifold is my favorite, The T Handle stops you over tightening the bolts.

 

[janolsson]

Firefly
If you do decide to do the kit give me a shout (pm) and i'll try to fill you in on some tips.

 

[FIREFLY]

Many thanks for all the info, I will not be doing it myself as i had a heart attack at christmas so i cant scramble about the motors as i use to, so it is going into the garage tomorrow so i will keep you all informed, and i think this is a great sight. This is the first exporer i have owned and what a great comfortable motor.

Regards Alan

 

[FIREFLY]

Well I got the motor back and it seemed to run better on the way home, but i could not be sure untill it had cooled down,so i put it in my garage until the morning. Went out next day fingers crossed i started the beast, and yes she purrrred like a kitten, my what a difference, so many thanks for you info, and i hope this will help others with the same problem.