Runs like crap!!

[1998Explodasport]

So I picked up a 2001 Explorer Sport with the SOHC. I have no history on it besides that it was submerged in fresh water up to the cup holders but I belive it was more than that.

So I changed the oil, siphoned all the gas out and replaced it with a half a tank of good gas, did a transmission filter and gasket and replaced about 6 qts of transmission fluid with Merc V (I am going to do a complete flush if I get it running). I had spark and fuel so I kept at it until it started and it finally did. It ran rough, which was expected. I ran it for about an hour and it finally idled by itself so I pulled it into my garage and changed the oil again and I had trouble starting it. I scanned it with mt scanner and got no codes but I also noticed that the engine light doesn't come on when you turn the key to acc. but it does come on a for split second as I try to start it.

I am thinking the computer may be bad, I just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas as to what I should do next. I was going to start replacing differential fluids but I want to get it running smoothly first.

 

[Rudy602]

I'd change fuel filter also.

 

[1998Explodasport]

I bought one it was getting late so I didn't change it yet but that's first on my list tommorrow.

 

[2000StreetRod]

CKP sensor?

If the check engine light illuminates while cranking that may indicate a faulty crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. It was probably under water and the contacts may be corroded. You might try disconnecting and reconnecting the electrical connector a few times to clean the contacts.

 

[95explorereb]

I am having about the same problem

I have a 1995 ford explorer 4.0 4x4 and it is running bad. I have to give it gas just to start it and it misses real bad. It misses going down the road shifting in the gears but it stops after about 10 miles I have no clue what it is. The check engine light isnt on either. I did notice it uses water I dont see a leak though. I hope someone can help me with this problem.

 

[ragajungle]

If the truck was in water to the console that means the Computer (beneath the passenger side kick panel) was immersed and probably bad. It will not give any codes. Other issues to come would be the keyless entry/security module located just in front of the rear tire jack stow behind the trim panel...

I would start with the computer - so you can get codes..
Hope this helps

 

[mr2fix2it]

The computer on this explorer is in the top of the firewall. unless water was that high its not likely the problem you may have water intrusion in any number of places and that is most likely the cause of problems open up all connectors and dry them out before replacing anything.

 

[imp]

If the truck was in water to the console that means the Computer (beneath the passenger side kick panel) was immersed and probably bad. It will not give any codes. Other issues to come would be the keyless entry/security module located just in front of the rear tire jack stow behind the trim panel...

I would start with the computer - so you can get codes..
Hope this helps

Agreed! Dunked computer might not necessarily "buy it" since the ICs and PC boards are all pretty well coated over, like, sealed, but consider all the connections where the harness(es) hook up to the computer being soaked and conducting stray currents all over the place...could confound any computer! imp

 

[ranger7ltr]

Couple of questions...

Isn't the computer on the 1998 Explorer mounted in the passenger side firewall? After being in the Gulf Coast after hurricane Ike in 2008, even salt water didn't mess with the computers in some of the vehicles I came across including Explorers...Now the electrical connectors and any exposed wiring...Well it just wasn't pretty...

And I saw the check engine light is not coming on with the key in acc...Are you meaning that no CEL when the key is turned on[clockwise] to the position before you start the engine or do you mean actually in the acc position[counter-clockwise]?

Back to the engine...I would start by checking the fuel pressure and when you change the fuel filter look at the fluid that comes out of the filter inlet...I would catch it in a bottle and let it sit for a while to see how much water is still in the fuel...You can only get so much out of the tank by siphoning and I am guessing that there is quite a bit of water and dirt in the tank still...

 

[95explorereb]

I have about the same problem

Thanks for all the responses. The check engine comes on right before I start it when its in the on position but while its running it is not on. I am going to do what you said and buy the fuel filter and put it on I dont think its been changed in a while. I think the pump might be on its way out because about a month or two ago I was going to the gas station and it ran out of gas I put 5 gallons in and it still would not start. I had to spray gas into the intake to get it running again.

 

[95explorereb]

i have the same problem

I changed the filter and the stuff coming out of it was black so I know it needed to be changed. While I had the lines out I took a bottle and turned the switch on to see what the fuel looked like coming out of the tank and it looked like it had water beads on it. My question is can I get the gas out without droppin the tank.