My 'X' is poorly

[STAV]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I am looking for some help re my poorly 'X'.

I have a 2000 W reg North Face Explorer (4.0 SOHC) and have owned it since May '04.
It is a fantastic vehicle. It has been converted to LPG so now i can travel the usual 240 miles per fill on £25 instead of £54.

Unfortunately it has developed a problem.

It all started about a month/ month and half ago. On occasions, from cold, it would not start on first turn of the key. Switching off and turning over again it did.

I had then noticed some vibrations of idle although the rev needle didn't move.

About a week ago again from cold it did the same only on this occasion it would not keep running on the second turn of the key. It did start but died almost immediately. I tried again and pressed the accelerator keeping the revs approx 2000. Lifting off the pedal the engine died again.

This was the same throughout the 7 mile journey when it appeared to sort itself!

The next day it did the same not starting and me having to keep the accelerator depressed.


what have i checked:-

Checked IAC valve as per HAYNES. As per their check it appears OK. I have taken it off and cleaned the face etc.
Checked MAF sensor again as per Haynes and it is OK.
I have done my best to check the numerous vacuum hoses but have 'lost' some of the routes they take due to lack of space in the engine bay. I have attempted to trace any 'air sucking' and thought I heard some at the rear top of the upper air intake.

Have I answered my own question? Is it the lower intake manifold gaskets or something else I've missed.

I have yet to test whether any bolts are loose on the upper air intake.


Help!


Thanks

STAV

 

[Howard]

I would say that you need to track down the hiss. Also sometimes cleaning the IAC does not work and replacement is the only answer. Also check the upper intake bolts.

 

[STAV]

Howard,


Thanks for the reply.

Apart from cleaning the IAC and tweeking the intake bolts a bit this appears to have worked as the car has performed faultlessly for the past 3 days.


Does the IAC gradually deteriorate or is it an immediate failure?

I have also noticed that the air-con compressor is clicking in and out regularly. This is something i haven't noticed before but is extremely loud. I understand there is a clutch on it but the Haynes manual doesn't really list any fault finding/ trouble shooting for the compressor.

Any help greatly received.


Thanks

STAV

 

[Howard]

The clicking may mean that you are low on refrigerant. Any air con place can check it for you. But it does click on and off during normal operation, well mine does. So it may be normal. As for the IAC because they gradually gum up. They will just stick one day and you don't get a code just an erratic idle.