Right bank lean, and....

[Rippin_93]

Insuffitiant rise to RPM's? i just got a code reader and thought id check out the Explorer with it sense ive been getting a check engine light while on trips and long driving.

so what i was wondering is what can i do to fix this?

other signs are the truck has a miss and the RPMs bounce around at idle or when slowing down to a stop. i have a Dynomax cat back exhaust KKM intake and a 170* thermostate. my thinking is the O2 sensor?

im also going to clean the MAF sensor like some one has on the site.

any thoughts? what else should i check. going to do it this weekend. i got new plugs and wires that are going on this weekend. i have big plans for this rig so i need to get this resolved soon. plus i travel alot with it.

anything would be great even just advice. thanks a ton to any that respond.

later Rippin

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I would definately recommend replacing the O2 sensors while your doing the plugs and wires. They are relatively cheap and the most likely cause for intermitent check engine lights, especially on up hill sections of road. I would recommend the Bosch Platnum 4+. They are the ones with 4 ears from the top. The standard bosch platnums will wear out quickly. Make sure after you install everything you disconnect the battery for at least 5 minutes to reset the computer. It will run a little funny at first but give it a couple of days to re-learn everything and work with the new sensors and plugs. Good luck.

 

[Alec]

Plugs, wires, O2s are a good idea. Also, replace your thermostat with a 195 degree unit. That's what the truck is made for and it should run better with it. Also, clean your MAS and TB.

That should solve most of your problems, if not all. Good luck!

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Actually the stock unit is 198 degree from Ford. I disagree with and agree with Alec. I would recommend going to a 185 degree thermostat as the 170 is below the normal operating temp and could be causing a rich mixture, fuel injectors pumping too much fuel. Just like a carb choke, the fuel injection compensates by adding more fuel. If the engine never reaches normal, than it stays in a choked condition which will also cause the o2 sensors to read a rich mixture periodically causing the intermitent CE light. 198 is too hot for me since the x's have always had a hard time coping with under hood temps. That's why I run a 185 degree and have had no problems.

 

[jimbo74]

as a mechanic, i would recommend an intake flush, fuel flush, and new plugs, wires and 02s... in my experience the bosch platinum +4s are a waste of money... ford actually recommend their plugs ore the bosch double platinums... know i know that some swear by the +4s but in my experience (and i have SEEN them in many non explorer vehciles also) they arent any better and cost more than the doubles....

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by jimabena74
as a mechanic, i would recommend an intake flush, fuel flush, and new plugs, wires and 02s... in my experience the bosch platinum +4s are a waste of money... ford actually recommend their plugs ore the bosch double platinums... know i know that some swear by the +4s but in my experience (and i have SEEN them in many non explorer vehciles also) they arent any better and cost more than the doubles....

Jim what does the intake flush normally consist of?

 

[jimbo74]

it is some wierd kind of cleaner (i think it is basically atf, but am not sure) that we inject through a vacumn port in your intake and it makes a lot of white smoke come out and smells like eggs for 20 minutes, and i have actually seen it work too..(hehe...just dont tell the customers i got bored and took some other things apart to see if it really worked )......

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I have run every type of plug, the stock ford ones, from the dealership, which were fine. The next tune up I used the double platnums and I had 3 of them foul out in the first 3000 miles. After I switched to the +4's, I noticed a small power increase, and I mean small, but the best part is they have been in there for the last 10000 miles and I have had zero problems. It's all about personal prefference and which plug works best with your motor.

 

[Rippin_93]

sorry but i actually have a 180* thermo. i have a 170 in my other truck. the thermo runs at 182.4* at normal operating temp. i think that is fine and with the mods im planning i think that some day i may need to go a little colder. also forgot to mention that the piece of exhaust pipe that connects to the muffler got ripped off while four wheeling so after the muffler there is nothing. could this also be causing the O2 sensors to be reading more oxygen than normal.

im here to learn and i dont know if everything that i say is correct. thanks later.

 

[Alec]

I'd still say you need a warmer thermo, but what you want to do is your business. The lack of a tailpipe will not have any difference in your gas levels or sensor readings. Are you sure nothing else got damaged though?

Have you pulled any specific codes from the vehicle? You said you got a CEL, but didn't mention codes. They'd make it much easier to diagnose the problem.

 

[Rippin_93]

im just telling you what the scanner said relating to the codes. i didnt opt for one of those blinking light scaners i went for the pimped out model that can hook up to any type of vehicle with different connectors and such. i dont have the scanner near bye or else i would give you the codes.

The insufficent rise to RPM code poped up while doing a KOER test. (Key On Engine Running)

the Right Bank lean code was a stored code. CE code i think its called.

ill post the code numbers tonight or tommarow depending on how i feal after making the trip back home.

thanks for the replys

 

[Rippin_93]

Update:

well i replaced the O2 sensors and drove it around and still the miss and burr...burr.... burr sound.

so i cleaned the MAF and changed the plugs to Bosoch platniums <sp> with the single electrod. i had the +4 that i didnt think that i had. they worked great for me.

well i got all the plugs out and they all were snow white.
not good from what i hear. running lean and hot i was told. the two middle ones had a shiny red to them. only on the middle ones.

i then changed the wires to MSD 8.5mm wires.

the only thing that i noticed in doing all of this was the X was quieter at idle. ran a little smoother. not as many flat spots in acceleration. Still has a slight bog down and jump in RPM's, i.e.( burr.....burr....burr sound)

so im going to check and change the plugs in about 5000 miles or so to see whats going on.

something has got to be going on cause with my thermo the X is defenatly running cooler and was a noticable increase in power.

There is some ticking and knocking under the hood so i could be in for a surprise here in alittle while. wish i had time to tear the motor apart.

any more suggestions? the Check engine light didnt come on while driving in variouse conditions and alttitudes for 8 hours so thats good. maybe problem solved but time will tell.

thanks all and ill keep ya posted.

P.S. does anyones fuel pump wine? i just noticed this yeasterday. could it be on its way out?