too much air, not enough spark

[TDX Dogg]

Somebody tell me how to boost the spark on my X. I'm having compression issues after I put in my new GMAS. My 99 doesn't have an ignition module, so that's outta the question. Please tell me that plugs and wires aren't my only option...

 

[mrboyle]

What makes you think you are not getting enough spark? Unless you have bad plugs, wires or coil pack this is completely impossible. There is absolutely no way that a vehicle with a properly working ignition system can have "not enough spark." What are the "compression issues" you are referring to? It would be alot easier to help diagnose your problem if you could give us some more info as to what is happening.

 

[mosinman]

What Mr.Boyle said. Do you mean a Granatelli MAF when you say GMAS ???? If so, That may be your problem. As far as I know, Granatelli does not make a MAS compatable with the SOHC.

 

[410Fortune]

Few things:

1 is your V-6 a OHV or a SOHC 4.0L? (99's came with both)

2. What is making you think you dont have enough spark?

3. If you are talking about advancing the timing like you would on an old distributor engine to get a few more ponies, forget it. The timing on these is controlled by the computer (hence the reason you dont have a distributor) and the stock computer can adjust the timing to compensate for the Granatelli MAS you installed (more intake flow) Now custom aftermarket chips can also give a liitle boost by "adjuting" the timing curve for a little more performance.

4. Also after installing your aftermarket MAS you must re-set the computer.

Details are needed for further help......

 

[TDX Dogg]

Sorry, just getting a little frusterating with trying to find the problem. I've got a OHV 4.0 on my 99 XLT. I have a K&N FIPK with a Granatelli Mass Air Sensor that I ordered from truckperformance.com and a Borla cat-back exhaust. Trust me, I know about wiring so I know to reset the battery. It runs great for about 2-3 weeks. then when I idle it's ok, but when I lightly push the gas it stalls. Push the gas harder it's ok, but it stalls when I push it lightly in traffic. I figured not enough of the air was getting "burned". When I take off the MAF it operates normally, just a little slower and with slower response. Hope that helps a little. All I want to do is add more pep to the X.

 

[TDX Dogg]

Oh yeah, one more thing, I'm running stock wires and plugs if that helps. I was going to upgrade them anyway, any suggestions?

 

[mosinman]

First easy thing I would do is put your stock MAF back in, restet the computer, and see if the driveability problems go away. If so, your Granatelli is to blame. I think you are barking up the wrong tree assuming you have a compression problem or lack of spark. This problem started after you made mods, so I suspect the mods. Sometimes you can open up the exhaust too much on the 4.0, which can cause problems, though I understand the Borla to be a first-rate product. check your PCV valve and pull a plug to check it also. I assume your CEL isn't on? Maybe MRBoyle can chime in with some hints now that you have provided more info.

 

[TDX Dogg]

When the Granatelli isn't on the problems go away and the Explorer works fine. Only problem is I spent the money for the Granatelli and was hoping it would benefit my X. It does give me a decent amount more power and when the X shifts it jumps forward, a nice boost. Should I send the Granatelli back to be reconfigured?? Or am I out $350? Thanks for the help.

 

[TDX Dogg]

Oh, by the way, what's CEL stand for?

 

[mosinman]

CEL = check engine light. Send the MAF back and ask for your money back. If they wont do it, at least get an exchange and make sure you have the right one for your motor. For the Ford Explorer, an aftermarket MAF simply isn't worth the money for the gain you may or may not get.

 

[TDX Dogg]

nah, you're right, the CEL is on. I actually got so tired of it I disconnected it. lol. So what kind of power upgrades would you reccomend that's not gonna break the bank. I don't have money for a supercharger. And are there any good aftermarket chips for the X?

 

[410Fortune]

I have a Granatelli 70mm MAS on my OHV 4.0L and it works perfect, andhas for a year now.
With my intake and exhaust mods it gained me a good amount of throttle response and some major high end power, especially up in the mountains.

The biggest improvement was the "jump" off the line.

I would contact Granatelli and have them ship you a new MAS, you wont be dissapointed, and I have found their people to be very promt and helpful.

The people at truckperformance.com are also helpful, from my experiences.....

 

[mrboyle]

Form the info it sounds to me like there is something wrong with the MAF. It is possible they sent the wrong one, or that it is just faulty. I recomend trying to get it replaced.

 

[Alec]

The later OHVs already have 70mm MAS' stock, though they are a bit more restrictive than the Granatelli unit. Therefore, a MAS upgrade helps on early models, but less so on later OHVs.

For more upgrade options, try a BBK 66mm Throttle body and a chip.