Vacuum leak

[Kuasar94]

Could someone help me figure out how to fix my vacuum leak I've replaced a few of the hoses with new thick rubber vacuum tubing but I am having trouble tracing a few of the lines. I have an ac installed but it doesn't work and neither does the 4 wheel drive and I have a strong suspicion that the vacuum leak is the culprit. But ide rather start there than start buying parts and the problem continuing because of a simple vacuum leak.

 

[wollimann]

Vacuum leaks could be found with a smoke machine.
AC issues could be caused by many other parts, low pressure, AC clutch, pressure swith,...
4x4 maybe a front wheel locking hub problem, or transfercase/shift motor, relay/fuse...

Wheel Hub (Locking): Service and Repair — 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L.

charm.li

Transfer Case Actuator: Testing and Inspection — 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L.

charm.li

Some more information would be helpfull.

 

[Kuasar94]

I dont have a smoke machine but I just wanted to replace them all anyway. The vehicle sat for a few years before i purchased it. I am not sure if it's a locking hub problem but I guess it could be with the 4 wheel drive. And the ac is probably definitely low on refrigerant. But back to the vacuum lines. There is a little solenoid of some sort near what I assume is a vacuum reservoir. Don't know if that went out or not but when I pull it off that little box I have no vacuum like the solenoid isnt opening up. Im not sure what that solenoid is for. But I'm trying to get this thing running it tip top shape before winter comes or asap as I'm borrowing a car until I get this fixed. It's overheating and has loss of power when trying to go uphill at highways speeds. It's still a little low on transmission fluid but don't feel comfortable taking it any further than the closest town 13 miles away. I live in an area with large steep hills and past that town they are all over. Unless I'm going 30 or lower it overheats up these hills it's like it doesn't want to go up the hills and doesn't have any torque when giving it gas. I dont know whats causing this problem but to me I feel it's come down to low transmission fluid, or a vacuum leak. Because I replaced the fuel pump the fan and the fan clutch and it helped, now the temp stays at or below the middle but when going over these hills it just doesn't want to get up and go it wants to give up and overheat but only when pushing in the gas to maintain my speed.

 

[wollimann]

Sorry to read this, this is the only first gen i ever had, but i would like to help you anyway.

In this short video the guy shows the routing of the important vacuum lines,
but i can't see any solenoid or vacuum reservoir. (gen2 has a vacuum "ball" inside the passenger fender)


There is a vacuum valve at the transmission, if you pull the tube and there's oil inside
the valve has to be replaced.

Similar with the vacuum fuel pressure regulator valve,
fuel inside tube, replacing valve (Fuel pressure ok?).

There's a solenoid in the driverside area behind the inner plastic fender
that regulate evap canister purge valve.
Prone for leaks, rusted out pipe, solenoid stuck open.

But i think the coolant overheating issue is the first thing i would look at.
Maybe the thermostat is stuck or radiator clogged, radiator cab loose pressure.
Did the Explorer consume coolant, white exhaust smoke?

Did the transmission oil/filter has ever been changed? How is the color, gray or red?
Make shure trans oil level is in specs and use MerconV oil.
Shifting ok, no slipping?

If a car sits for years it's nerver good for any kind of parts.
If you feel a loss of power from engine, maybe there's a exhaust blockage (catalytic converter),
could cause overheating too. A infrared thermometer could show you every single
header exhaust exit.
What about sparks and wires, old as the car?

Regards and good luck to find the culprit!

94 Explorer Vacuum-Line madness (pics inside)

Greetings! I've started learning about my Explorer, and through various DIY repairs, the vacuum lines have become mixed up. I'm following the diagram, but have a few questions. Here's the rundown: Here's the diagram. The items I can't locate are: Brake Booster, A4LD trans, FPRC...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[RangerX]

There should be a vacuum diagram sticker under the hood on the radiator support.
The 4wd is not vacuum operated at all, most common problems with it not working are the auto hubs have worn out or the shift motor died, check this thread for help: How to: - 4x4 Troubleshooting guide
The over heating on hills is also not a vacuum problem, more likely a leak in the cooling system.

 

[Kuasar94]

Sorry to read this, this is the only first gen i ever had, but i would like to help you anyway.
View attachment 467107

In this short video the guy shows the routing of the important vacuum lines,
but i can't see any solenoid or vacuum reservoir. (gen2 has a vacuum "ball" inside the passenger fender)


There is a vacuum valve at the transmission, if you pull the tube and there's oil inside
the valve has to be replaced.

Similar with the vacuum fuel pressure regulator valve,
fuel inside tube, replacing valve (Fuel pressure ok?).

There's a solenoid in the driverside area behind the inner plastic fender
that regulate evap canister purge valve.
Prone for leaks, rusted out pipe, solenoid stuck open.

But i think the coolant overheating issue is the first thing i would look at.
Maybe the thermostat is stuck or radiator clogged, radiator cab loose pressure.
Did the Explorer consume coolant, white exhaust smoke?

Did the transmission oil/filter has ever been changed? How is the color, gray or red?
Make shure trans oil level is in specs and use MerconV oil.
Shifting ok, no slipping?

If a car sits for years it's nerver good for any kind of parts.
If you feel a loss of power from engine, maybe there's a exhaust blockage (catalytic converter),
could cause overheating too. A infrared thermometer could show you every single
header exhaust exit.
What about sparks and wires, old as the car?

Regards and good luck to find the culprit!

94 Explorer Vacuum-Line madness (pics inside)

Greetings! I've started learning about my Explorer, and through various DIY repairs, the vacuum lines have become mixed up. I'm following the diagram, but have a few questions. Here's the rundown: Here's the diagram. The items I can't locate are: Brake Booster, A4LD trans, FPRC...

www.explorerforum.com

Ya i watched that video it didnt help much as i have the ac and that video shows the vacuum lines after ac has been removed. no smoke being emitted and no loss of coolant. I assumed the radiator was fine considering it doesn't overheat and generally stays below the middle on the temp gauge unless going up steep hills and applying more to the gas pedal. as for the little solenoid I'm talking about near what looks like a type of vacuum reservoir i will post photos this afternoon. I'm not sure what it is or what it's even for but it's electronically controlled. I'll get some money soon and start replacing a bunch of things and keep everyone updated. Hopefully by the middle of next month itll all be running normally.

 

[Kuasar94]

There should be a vacuum diagram sticker under the hood on the radiator support.
The 4wd is not vacuum operated at all, most common problems with it not working are the auto hubs have worn out or the shift motor died, check this thread for help: How to: - 4x4 Troubleshooting guide
The over heating on hills is also not a vacuum problem, more likely a leak in the cooling system.

I have no leak in the cooling system as I'm not losing any fluid. I have a loss of power going up steep hills and when I give it gas it begins to overheat. And if I had to guess the shift motor died on me. I will be replacing it and keep everyone updated.

 

[Kuasar94]

Did a radiator flush and i don't know whats going on with this truck. Took it on a test drive up hills but not any big hills but it's like it had some torque to it now. No overheating no loss of power and it was running great. Could it be an intermittent problem somehow. It has a vacuum leak still, waiting on some heavy duty vacuum line I ordered. At least I'm assuming it's a vacuum leak do to the rough idle when warming up. Once warmed up the rough idle isnt as bad but the idle is still fluctuating a bit. Gonna clean the mass air flow sensor see if that helps any. I think I'm moving in the right direction with this explorer. Can't wait to get it all working correctly. Especially the 4 wheel drive before winter. Gonna need it.

 

[RangerX]

Carefully remove the air intake tube, flip it over, and look for cracks or holes in the accordion pleats, a leak there may cause some of your problem, and it’s a common issue.

 

[410Fortune]

We need pics to help identifying “solenoid”

You could have a clogged cat converter

And it probably needs a tune up like new plugs and good ignition wires

After that we need to do some testing
Test for vacuum leaks
Test for any trouble codes
Test fuel pressure
Test for spark

 

[Kuasar94]

Waiting on some money from a job. Will replace spark plugs. The wires look fairly new but could still be old i suppose. So if the problem persists I will replace those too and I'll check the plastic air intake tube as well. I'll upload some photos of everything. Took it on a test drive again and kept giving it gas going up the hills and it started sounding like constant misfires before it eventually overheated will get those photos either this evening or tomorrow.

 

[Kuasar94]

This little solenoid thing.

 

[wollimann]

Could be the vapor canister purge valve

E4ZF-9C915-AA​

Pardon Our Interruption...

Canister Purge Solenoid: Description and Operation — 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L.

charm.li

 

[410Fortune]

Yes canister purge valve
It is hooked to the fuel tank vapor line coming from your charcoal canister and gas tank

When at high rpm the computer opens it and it allows fuel vapors to be burned up in the intake

If it is bad you will often smell raw gas after a long drive especially after exiting the highway and coming to a stop

Chugging up hills and lacking power sure sounds like a fuel delivery issue
Running lean causes a ton of heat which can be part of the overheating issue

 

[eddiehudson]

I dont have a smoke machine but I just wanted to replace them all anyway. The vehicle sat for a few years before i purchased it. I am not sure if it's a locking hub problem but I guess it could be with the 4 wheel drive. And the ac is probably definitely low on refrigerant. But back to the vacuum lines. There is a little solenoid of some sort near what I assume is a vacuum reservoir. Don't know if that went out or not but when I pull it off that little box I have no vacuum like the solenoid isnt opening up. Im not sure what that solenoid is for. But I'm trying to get this thing running it tip top shape before winter comes or asap as I'm borrowing a car until I get this fixed. It's overheating and has loss of power when trying to go uphill at highways speeds. It's still a little low on transmission fluid but don't feel comfortable taking it any further than the closest town 13 miles away. I live in an area with large steep hills and past that town they are all over. Unless I'm going 30 or lower it overheats up these hills it's like it doesn't want to go up the hills and doesn't have any torque when giving it gas. I dont know whats causing this problem but to me I feel it's come down to low transmission fluid, or a vacuum leak. Because I replaced the fuel pump the fan and the fan clutch and it helped, now the temp stays at or below the middle but when going over these hills it just doesn't want to get up and go it wants to give up and overheat but only when pushing in the gas to maintain my speed.

Did you ever get around to changing the Transmission fluid and filter? If I remember correctly it uses dex3 /Mercon.

 

[Kuasar94]

Could be the vapor canister purge valve

E4ZF-9C915-AA​

Pardon Our Interruption...

View attachment 467200

Canister Purge Solenoid: Description and Operation — 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-245 4.0L.

charm.li

I think that's exactly what that is. Thank you

 

[Kuasar94]

Well I don't believe it's a vacuum leak anymore I believe it was a fuel air mix issue. I cleaned the throttle body and it idles may smoother and will be changing the spark plugs wires and fuel filter and see where that gets me. Will update when finished and let y'all know if it fixed the problem. It's also been running a little sluggish like it has no torque when putting my foot to the floor.