Need Help! Loss of power rough idle

[AndrewB13ex]

I'm completely stumped and need some help from anyone. Okay so I have a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0 SOHC 4 days ago had a code for engine coolant temp sensor I changed both everything seemed fine for one day woke up too go to work the next morning the car had no power very sluggish take off and would hardly make it up hills coming too red lights and stops it has a rough idle around 500 rpms and sounds too be sputtering. Before all this came about I changed the Gas tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, intake gaskets upper and lower, I was getting a lean code I did all that cleared the codes and was good for about a month now. So then yesterday still no power rough idle all day stays running just not the best did some research decided too do the plugs they haven't been changed in a few years figured why not put plugs in seemed too help a tiny bit but still very little power in the explorer and rough idle so today did more research decided too try the MAF sensor keep in mind I have no check engine light. So picked up the sensor driving home boom check engine light on check it and it's lean bank 1 so now I'm back at square one I put the new MAF sensor on cleared the light drive it back home 5 miles and boom the lights back on now lean on bank 1 and 2 i have no idea at this point I checked for vacuum leaks and there's nothing I'm out of ideas other then maybe 02 sensors? if someone could please give me some head way on things too try thanks in advance for the help

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

I had this similar problem on my 2000 4.0 SOHC and I finally got it fixed after changing the intake manifold gaskets, before that I did plugs, fuel and air filter, MAF sensor, and AIC sensor located in the middle of the intake manifold. I see you've done most of that already so the only thing I can think of would be bad/ dirty fuel injectors or the AIC if you've not looked at those yet. I hope you get it figured out, it is very aggravating and like I said I've been there.

 

[AndrewB13ex]

I had this similar problem on my 2000 4.0 SOHC and I finally got it fixed after changing the intake manifold gaskets, before that I did plugs, fuel and air filter, MAF sensor, and AIC sensor located in the middle of the intake manifold. I see you've done most of that already so the only thing I can think of would be bad/ dirty fuel injectors or the AIC if you've not looked at those yet. I hope you get it figured out, it is very aggravating and like I said I've been there.

Thanks for the help I've changed the IAC it seems too be operating properly I'm gonna look into the fuel injectors that could explain a lot and I'm almost 200,000 miles and about 4 months ago did fuel filter,fuel pump , and put a new gas tank on the old one was leaking and the fuel filter that was on there was extremely clogged so I can only imagine what went threw the injectors I'm gonna try to clean them out in a few days. Or replace them not sure yet thanks for the help will let you know what happens

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

Thanks for the help I've changed the IAC it seems too be operating properly I'm gonna look into the fuel injectors that could explain a lot and I'm almost 200,000 miles and about 4 months ago did fuel filter,fuel pump , and put a new gas tank on the old one was leaking and the fuel filter that was on there was extremely clogged so I can only imagine what went threw the injectors I'm gonna try to clean them out in a few days. Or replace them not sure yet thanks for the help will let you know what happens

Anytime! Mine has about 230,000 miles on it (original motor trans and transfer case) and runs amazing! So just a good maintenance schedule will keep these and other vehicles running for a long time with proper care. I did all that as well, aside from the new pump and tank. I also run some fuel system cleaner through about once a month and always use shell 93 octane gasoline. I do the same things with my Audi's and my Old BMW M3 and it keeps them running perfect. Also I used Mobile 1 high mileage 10w30 oil and filter. I've been in many technician jobs and a mechanic for aircraft to motocross to drift cars so I've tried everything at least once lol

 

[AndrewB13ex]

Anytime! Mine has about 230,000 miles on it (original motor trans and transfer case) and runs amazing! So just a good maintenance schedule will keep these and other vehicles running for a long time with proper care. I did all that as well, aside from the new pump and tank. I also run some fuel system cleaner through about once a month and always use shell 93 octane gasoline. I do the same things with my Audi's and my Old BMW M3 and it keeps them running perfect. Also I used Mobile 1 high mileage 10w30 oil and filter. I've been in many technician jobs and a mechanic for aircraft to motocross to drift cars so I've tried everything at least once lol

I hope mine keeps kickin I wanna see 230,000 miles lol motor, tranny and transfer case are all original on mine also I've had it for 4 years now I bought it when I was 20 for 1,000 bucks 89,000 miles on it the dude before me had it sitting for a year but always kept the maintenance up on it I worked at a Ford dealership for almost 4 years wasn't working on cars but I was always learning so I'm still learning a lot lol but funny part the explorer came from the dealership I was at brand new straight from the factor so I'm the second owner luckily I've put a lot of work into it almost 104,000 miles I put on it only left me on the side of the road 1 time in 4 years so I can't complain. Just wanna keep it up and going I got 193,000 I wanna see 200,000 lol

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

I hope mine keeps kickin I wanna see 230,000 miles lol motor, tranny and transfer case are all original on mine also I've had it for 4 years now I bought it when I was 20 for 1,000 bucks 89,000 miles on it the dude before me had it sitting for a year but always kept the maintenance up on it I worked at a Ford dealership for almost 4 years wasn't working on cars but I was always learning so I'm still learning a lot lol but funny part the explorer came from the dealership I was at brand new straight from the factor so I'm the second owner luckily I've put a lot of work into it almost 104,000 miles I put on it only left me on the side of the road 1 time in 4 years so I can't complain. Just wanna keep it up and going I got 193,000 I wanna see 200,000 lol

Heck yeah man that's awesome! Mine was a family truck for the last 4-5 years when my parents bought it I think it had around 70-80k miles but they sold it to me a few weeks ago for $1k and they always garage kept it as well. I just did a full front end rebuild with oem parts as well. It's mostly highway mileage and until I got it has never been off-road so I'm stoked to get it built up and out on the trails!

 

[AndrewB13ex]

Heck yeah man that's awesome! Mine was a family truck for the last 4-5 years when my parents bought it I think it had around 70-80k miles but they sold it to me a few weeks ago for $1k and they always garage kept it as well. I just did a full front end rebuild with oem parts as well. It's mostly highway mileage and until I got it has never been off-road so I'm stoked to get it built up and out on the trails!

I've done the simple stuff too mine cheap and easy. Torsion keys twisted almost All the way out , the sport only came with two leafs from factors a flat and one big one so I added in a long and short leaf, and did 2 inch shackles and put 31x10.50x16 with some basic black wagon wheels. I had too put longer shocks on got them for a ranger with a 4 inch lift fit perfectly and that's about all with the lift I'll post a pic if I can

 

[AndrewB13ex]

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

I've done the simple stuff too mine cheap and easy. Torsion keys twisted almost All the way out , the sport only came with two leafs from factors a flat and one big one so I added in a long and short leaf, and did 2 inch shackles and put 31x10.50x16 with some basic black wagon wheels. I had too put longer shocks on got them for a ranger with a 4 inch lift fit perfectly and that's about all with the lift I'll post a pic if I can

That's sweet man definitely get some pics up! I did the rancho 2" lift shocks up front and front sway bar delete, LED bar in lower grill, Monroe Sensatrac rear shocks with the helper coils, TT and Warrior 153 shackles. Sitting on 32's on 15x8 wheels with 3.75" backspace. Here is Ron as of this past Saturday.

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

That's a good looking X! What headlights are those Anzo?

 

[AndrewB13ex]

That's a good looking X! What headlights are those Anzo?

Thanks man Yea they are nice I like them a lot the only thing I don't like is I had leds in the old headlights got the new ones and the leds won't fit in the Anzo ones kinda sucks but o well I had an issue with the one getting fogged up I took it off and re silicone the lens haven't had it fog up since I wanna do the led bar in the bumper and get rid of the plain old fogs but I like yours man super clean I wanted a four door but got stuck with the sport it's alright though I don't see too many sports around mostly 4 doors where you from? I'm from Pittsburgh PA

 

[AndrewB13ex]

I had too redo the rocket panels they were rusted out now I'm getting some gas tank door rust pa weather is tough on cars

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

Thanks man Yea they are nice I like them a lot the only thing I don't like is I had leds in the old headlights got the new ones and the leds won't fit in the Anzo ones kinda sucks but o well I had an issue with the one getting fogged up I took it off and re silicone the lens haven't had it fog up since I wanna do the led bar in the bumper and get rid of the plain old fogs but I like yours man super clean I wanted a four door but got stuck with the sport it's alright though I don't see too many sports around mostly 4 doors where you from? I'm from Pittsburgh PA

Thank you! I'm glad there is this forum for people who can really appreciate these trucks! , I was born in SC but now I'm living in NC. A lot of people in this town trash talk the explorers for being horrible and un-reliable, every one who asks about the truck can't believe it's got 230xxx miles lol my friend at the wheel and tire shop told me after we got the new wheels and tires put on that it was one of the nicest he's ever seen. I guess it's because it's not rusted out and sagging in the back while having that driver side gangsta lean goin on lol. There are rigs on here that are 1000x more awesome than mine but I still thanked him for the complement.

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

I had too redo the rocket panels they were rusted out now I'm getting some gas tank door rust pa weather is tough on cars

I think it looks good! I wanted a sport but I'm happy with the 4door now that we just had a baby. It does make life a little easier.

 

[AndrewB13ex]

I think it looks good! I wanted a sport but I'm happy with the 4door now that we just had a baby. It does make life a little easier.

Definitely makes it easier with four door everyone always trash talks explorers but like I said man 4 years 104,000 broke down one time and it was because the thermostat housing cracked and spit out all the coolant but man other then that this thing is very reliable it's running like **** right now but I go out there it'll fire right up driver where ever I wanna go it just ain't got too much power lol all my friends got new trucks years ago and they always say that thing is still going I'm like heck yea man this thing ain't gonna die I won't let it happen lol

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

Definitely makes it easier with four door everyone always trash talks explorers but like I said man 4 years 104,000 broke down one time and it was because the thermostat housing cracked and spit out all the coolant but man other then that this thing is very reliable it's running like **** right now but I go out there it'll fire right up driver where ever I wanna go it just ain't got too much power lol all my friends got new trucks years ago and they always say that thing is still going I'm like heck yea man this thing ain't gonna die I won't let it happen lol

I feel the same, my fiancé is a die hard Chevy girl and she said to me this morning she found a new respect for explorers because of mine! That made my day!!! I hope to pass this down to my daughter one day after it's fully built SAS and possibly motor swapped with a newer V8, she's a little over 2 months old so i got time lol.

 

[AndrewB13ex]

I feel the same, my fiancé is a die hard Chevy girl and she said to me this morning she found a new respect for explorers because of mine! That made my day!!! I hope to pass this down to my daughter one day after it's fully built SAS and possibly motor swapped with a newer V8, she's a little over 2 months old so i got time lol.

O yea you got tons of time lol I'll let you know about the injectors do u think I should try o cleaner first and see if that does it they are a ***** kinda to get too

 

[RonBurgundyXLT]

O yea you got tons of time lol I'll let you know about the injectors do u think I should try o cleaner first and see if that does it they are a ***** kinda to get too

It can't hurt, If it doesn't help them I would for sure take them out and see about changing them. Also double check all the gaskets and vacuum hoses going from the intake manifold. I apllied some Vaseline before installing my intake gaskets to help make a good seal, as well as the large O-ring for the EVAP canister towards the front of the intake manifold. Well anyway, good luck and let me if it works!

 

[AndrewB13ex]

It can't hurt, If it doesn't help them I would for sure take them out and see about changing them. Also double check all the gaskets and vacuum hoses going from the intake manifold. I apllied some Vaseline before installing my intake gaskets to help make a good seal, as well as the large O-ring for the EVAP canister towards the front of the intake manifold. Well anyway, good luck and let me if it works!

Well I pulled upper intake pulled the injectors 4 out of the 6 seemed too be clogged. I cleaned out all 6 of them and had to replace the plastic rings that the injectors snap down into checked all the vacuum hoses everything looked good got it all back together now it cranks but won't start. At first was cranking alittle slow I put a jump box on it and still nothing cranks normal but won't start any ideas ?

 

[Bootless]

hey guys just wanted to say with proper maintenance they will last forever my 99 ohv has over 300k on it ive changed push rods and rockers and trans that is really about it