ok guys Here are three questions for you

[zecolleman]

Car in questions is a 2004 Ford Explorer V8 Ltd

First question: When do I need to start thinking about changing the time chain.The car is run 60,000 miles.

Second question: Can you download service manual for this car anywhere online?

Third question: I bought the car in the capital 14 days ago and drove him home in the town that I live and I live in a very small town No distance is longer than 1 mile. When I drove from the capital and home, I was at 6o mph the whole way, which is about 160 miles way. Message Center showed 21 mpg and I am very satisfied with it. I reset the meter and now I've run a week in my small town, and message center displays 9 mpg I'm not satisfied with it. so the question is. Is this normal difference? And if not, is this something that may be adjusted?

And gas is NOT cheap here in Iceland :-(

Best regards: Björn

 

[GuardianSport]

Second question:

https://www.flmowner.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Owner/Page/IdentifyVehiclePage&BackToLogin=Owner/Page/OwnerGuidePage&ord=86514974

Third question: how long has it been since the fluids, plugs and wires been changed? Basic maintenance can have a decent impact on fuel economy.

 

[TexasArmadillo]

You can look for the service manuals on DVD on Ebay. That is where I got mine.

 

[GuardianSport]

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/?link=002&urlfile=/pubs/content/~WO4EXP/~MUS~LEN/41/04expog1e.pdf

 

[zecolleman]

Hi and thanks. Fluids is periodically changed, I´am not sure about the plugs,Wire has probably never been changed.

I have a owners manual but I talking more about workshop manual ..

And thanks for good response

 

[GuardianSport]

Okay, change out your plugs and wires, I recommend Magnecor 8.5 mm wires and Laser Iridium plugs. A new fuel filter would be wise, as well, as would perhaps a transmission fluid change (to synthetic).

 

[zecolleman]

what about FORD oem plug Ford Motorcraft AGSF-32PM SP-493 on ebay they are $70 cheaper then Laser Iridium Long Life? And what would you say the normal difference would be on high way and in my smal town. Have in mind that the car is always being started að shut down again very often..
regards...Björn

 

[BrianDye]

Ive always read on here that just stock Motorcraft is the best way to go, if I ever need plugs, thats what I would go with.

Also, you said you reset the fuel readings, if I remember correctly, the average is based on the last 2000 miles right? So if your small city driving, it probably will only show 9 or so.

 

[zecolleman]

yes I reset the fuel readings and it will He immediately begins to calculate the average from zero mode, and it moves very much to begin with, by the way I drive but after a while it ends in about 9. My friend is a V6 with similar high way mpg but in the same small town and I am with him about 13 mpg while I am with 9 mpg :-(

 

[BrianDye]

You have the V8 and he has the V6 (assuming all 3rd gen limiteds are also V8's)
Thats why theres a difference.

It does seem like you should be getting at least 5-6 more than that unless your heavy on the throttle? You say city driving, what kind? Big city, or small? Small as in like stoplights on every block?

 

[zecolleman]

we are talking about very small town (population 500) and I try my best to drive carefully.I was wondering if there was any sensor for "I do not know the English word for it." when you turn on the engine in cold mixes this gas mixture stronger. could there be any sensor that controls it and is maybe on to long.

just trying to find somthing this is to much differences... to just be the spark plug or somthing like that allso becouse the car is very good on the high way.

 

[01EXP5.0]

My opinion ...
1) Stick with motorcraft plugs and wires I have used aftermarket plugs that were supposed to be better than oe only to hurt my mpg's.
2) Oil - Use a quality syn. oil and filter I run Mobile1 but I'm thinking about switching to Royal Purple. I also add Lucas fuel treatment at every oil change.
3) Junk the stock style air filter you don't have to spend a lot here you could buy a drop in like the Fram Air-Hogs, K&N or something similar.
4) Clean your MAF Sensor.
5) Watch your driving habits quick take offs and hard acceleration to pass kill mileage so watch that heavy foot.
BTW: I have tried the mpg calculation several ways and end up at 10-13 mpg city driving every time and that holds true for traffic around Auburn Hills and Pontiac, Michigan or my small home town in Kentucky. Good Luck

 

[TexasArmadillo]

How do you clean the MAF sensor?

 

[01EXP5.0]

I use CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner pull the sensor spray it down let it air dry and stick it back in. I am using an oiled aftermarket highflow filter and it coats the sensor fairly quickly. I have always been told to run dry filters on Fords but did I listen, of course not. Any way regular dirt and grime build up on the sensor and it should still be cleaned from time to time takes a couple of mins and a can of cleaner lasts a long time.

 

[drothgeb]

i think 2000streetrod has stated that you should change your timing chain tensioners every 75k

 

[TexasArmadillo]

Neat. I'll clean it up next weekend when I Sea Foam the truck.

 

[84EB]

Pretty sure a 2004 V8 is a 4.6. T-chain tensioners are internal, have to remove the timing cover to get to them. If you are going in there to replace them might as well do the whole job or at leasst replace the guides since they are lined with plastic. I have been working on cars for over 10 years and have only personally seen 1 4.6 have timing chain/tensioner issues. Not saying they don't but from my personal experience most do not have issues. And we have several high mileage 4.6s come in the shop on a regular basis. My boss has a 2000 F150, that he bought new, with over 200k and the motor has never had anything done.

 

[zecolleman]

I am finish buying spark plug and fuel filter. My wife goes with him to the local mechanic tomorrow, since I'm out at sea. How afraid should I be that he will brake spark plug and it will fall in the cylinder??? Is it not known issue with v8 engines?? The car has 60000 mils on it. I think it has not been done before...And should I warn him so he does it gently or it does not change anything??