SOHC Starting Idling Rough Questions

[Fred Garvin]

Question:

My 98 SOHC Sport has been starting fine, but when cold, the RPMs have been racing up and down until I drive it for a block or two. It tries to level the rpms at idle, but the rpms go down (sometimes quitting) and then races back up to 2000--2500 rpms. After a short drive though, all's well. It doesn't seem able to find a steady cold idle--instead it goes up and down until warmed up, then it idles fine

On one or two occassions, the check engine light came on.

Any ideas before I let the Ford dudes check it out?

 

[expl0der8]

Search for the 00M12 service bullitin. If you have under 70,000 miles this will be covered.

What the 00M12 service bullitin is for the upper/lower intake gaskets as well as a cam tensioner. Read up on it before going to the dealership. I had the same problem and ended up paying for it without knowing about the service bullitin and Ford wouldn't reinburse me for the service.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've read about the 00M12 but I didn't think it would relate to a rough start.

I've scheduled an appt with the Ford dude tomorrow, and it's good to have some info in hand. I enjoy working on my Explorer (nearly a full time job in itself), but if it's covered, then I'll let the pros do the work.

Thanks again for the seacrh suggestion!

 

[skibender]

I had the same problem on my 98 SOHC. Bought the 00M12 kit from Ford for $48 and spent 6 hrs. doing the job. Runs like a champ now. There's an excellent write-up on this site step by step on how to do it.