Running Lean, can this harm anything?

[Jonny813]

My check engine light came on not too long ago(3-4 weeks), and I plugged in my friends scanner and it pulled up that I was running lean in bank 1 and bank 2. I'm pretty much positive its a clogged fuel filter and I have a replacement this week, really havent had any time with the holidays coming up and work to change it. I have been getting some good gas mileage though. I was just wondering if running lean could cause damage to any of the internals? I have a 98 Sport 4.0 OHV 4x4 with 122K miles. I am going to make time to change it out, I want my power back, although having decent mileage is cool though.

Thanks,
Jon

 

[anaxagoras]

From what i understand running lean is pretty bad in the long run for your internals, but I honestly don't know much about engines.

 

[00XLS]

Its not the best thing for an engine, also your O2 sensors are mearly telling you that your engine is running lean. Something else is causing it to do so, some people say the intake manifold bolts become lose and allow more air in than needed. I'd check everything over, along with replacing the fuel filter as well, that can't hurt. I'm sure more will chime in with more suggestions.

 

[Jonny813]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[01sportrac]

Same issue with my 01 sport trac 171 and 174...

1) Cleaned the MAF 2 weeks ago --- reset computer same codes came up

2) Replaced fuel filter last weekend -- reset computer and codes came back up however engine running better.

3) replacing PCV this week and will let you know if that helped

4) Also will be checking intake bolts this week