rough idle at start

[prometheus]

1998 XLT with about 110,000 miles. (All highway though) When I start it for the first time in the morining it idles really rough, rpms go low and it almost stalls. If I let it go for about 3 mins it evens out. Ther rest of the day it seems to do ok when starting, only happened a few times later in the day. Mechanic seems the think the timing is off, could it be that simple? Also, with the miles building on the tranny I'm considering switchin to a synth... tran fluid, is that a good idea this late in the game? Thanx.

 

[Robert]

Use the search button above and look for 00M12. Leaking lower intake manifold o-rings coud cause those problems if you have the SOHC. Ford extended the warranty on them.

 

[ga_sport4X4]

Robert's on the case. Another symptom you can look for with this recall, at least in my case, is higher gas consumption I recently took my X to the dealership to have this recall dealt with. My truck no longer comes close to stalling on cold mornings, but it does have the same " engine of marbles" sounding engine on some start ups.

 

[prometheus]

Ive only had this vehicle a short time, bought it used with no extended warranty. Will Ford still honor the recall for the OOM12 problem? I know if I take it to my regular mechanic he can fix it but itll cost. If I can still get Ford to take care of it for free then all the better.

 

[drnaline]

Clean your MAF ffirst.

 

[Mark Drysdale]

Replace your upper and lower intake manifold gaskets as per 00M12 and all will be well again.

 

[Robert]

prometheus - Unfortunately with 110,000 miles you are way past the extended warranty limit of 72K miles. If by chance you bought it from a Ford dealer, they should at least work with you. If not then have an independant mechanic replace your lower intake manifold o-rings for about 1/2 what Ford will charge. When I had my mechanic replace mine two years ago, he charged me $135. Ford typically will charge in excess of $300.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Another possible culprit is the Idle Air Control (IAC). Search for further input....

 

[d_atl]

’95 loaded XLT 4.0 4x4 120K

Check the IACV! I have had major problems with the truck dieing at low idle when hot for last 10K. Dealer replaced a $1000.00 fuel injector controller and still the truck stalled. Read several posting here and found the following links about the Idle Air Control Valve. Over the weekend I removed and flushed the IACV with carb cleaner. Chunks of black crud came out(cool hun). No low idle problems any more! I hope this helps others.
http://lightning.prohosting.com/~v8mate/auiac.html
Dead Link Removed
http://www.se-r.net/engine/about_iacv.html