Wife's upset cause I wouldn't trade 99 X as clunker!!!

[Fordnatic]

I just couldn't do it. It's too good a rig to crush, and I think it's worth more than $3500. I was dismayed to see that 3 of the top 10 clunker trades were different year model Explorers.

It had 135k when we bought it, 175k now. Incredibly well built vehicle, other than the one nagging problem I have only put on 4 shocks and a sway bar link. Doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil, even with the extended intervals of synthetic oil. Even the ball joints and CV joints are still good. Still looks and drives nice.

But I need to fix that one problem to keep the peace before it cools down. It's a 99 4.0 SOHC. It only acts up in the winter-so I guess it's a cold weather related problem. It dies when slowing to an idle after starting-which then throws PO 171/174 (L/R banks lean). Other than this and the CEL light on, there are no drive-ability problems.

Trying to fix it I have: checked fuel pressure-close to 60; changed plugs; changed IAC; cleaned throttle body and MAF, changed fuel filter. Emissions test guy said it was EGR valve, but searching forums leads me to believe that's incorrect. No obvious vacuum leaks that I can find. I have not changed intake gaskets, could that be it? Any help is greatly appreciated, since I made her keep it I better fix it!

 

[TheJackal]

The clunkers deal wasn't so great as some have found they have to pay tax on that credit. You did the right thing.

 

[Joe Dirt]

And I know several that have gotten letters from dealers saying that they owe the $3,500 and $4,500 respectively, since the gov't denied claims on technicalities- one typed the VIN in wrong, and the Gov't is now holding the paperwork for fraud. So they owe the dealers $4,500 AND possibly paying the gov't for the rebate that they didn't get until the gov't decides to admit that they didn't actually get the money. As my neighbor 3 doors down said- "Either pay and fight it with the IRS, or don't pay and be labeled a tax cheat and get penalized until you prove that you didn't get the rebate."

Yeah- stellar deal. You did the right thing on many levels.

 

[dmc80]

Even though the vacuum leak is not noticable, it probably is the intake gaskets. I checked for vacuum leaks on mine forever hoping to avoid this fix, but once i decided to do it, it ran like new again and the check engine light has been gone for five months now.

 

[chance942]

What a clustermafuk CFC is becoming. Hey let's get right on healthcare!

Anyway change the gaskets. I feel you on the wife situtation. I too took a lot of flak but but there is too much of my blood and sweat on my X to give it away.

Obama administration rating::roll:

 

[Joe Dirt]

Vac leaks are wicked- the smallest leak can create big problems. I'm considering replacing all of my vac lines this fall just so I don't have to worry about 15 year old hoses...

 

[gijoecam]

Yuppers, I'd start with the gaskets... They're as likely a candidate as any.

I'd challenge the tech to explain WHY he thinks the EGR valve specifically is causing the problem. A lot of things OTHER than the EGR valve can cause a lean condition.

 

[Rick]

You should explain to your wife that she better not press the issue, or you may have to trade her in in a few years when she becomes a clunker

 

[Joe Dirt]

or when her seals start leaking? Let's just get him divorced why don't we?

 

[Blueraven]

All I've got to say is thanks to at least one person that didn't trade their 99 Sport in. I just picked one up last week for my 16 year old Son.

I'm a Dodge Man, but have owned a few Fords over the years and I thought the Explorer Sport was good choice for a newly licensed teen.

Sporty, safe and from my research relatively reliable, that is if the transmission doesn't go out.

I got one that's in good shape, it just needs someone to love her. As all can remember, there's fewer things that get more love than you first car.

Blueraven

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

you should explain to your wife that she better not press the issue, or you may have to trade her in in a few years when she becomes a clunker:d

ftw!!!

 

[Fordnatic]

Thanks-looks like I may need to try the intake gaskets. I read somewhere there was a step by step thread but have been unable to find it. Can anyone point me in the right direction to look?

 

[my98nnj]

175K on the SOHC motor, it's a ticking time bomb, should have taken the CFC and ran.
I almost traded my 98 with only 70K on it, but we just can't swing a car payment right now as we just purchased a new home. Love the truck, but it ain't worth 4500 bucks.

 

[TheJackal]

You should explain to your wife that she better not press the issue, or you may have to trade her in in a few years when she becomes a clunker

LMAO :biggthump

 

[storlied]

Good to see another AK member, glad you kept your X.

 

[Joey P]

You should explain to your wife that she better not press the issue, or you may have to trade her in in a few years when she becomes a clunker

That's clever....although I don't think it would go over very big in some households! :thumbdwn:

 

[robertoa1a]

I am a retired Naval type with and own a small business. Needless to say things are bit slow in business.

The explorer is a fine car!

If she is complaining, then that's fine. Buy her something else (like dinner) with the money you saved. then you can both have a laugh.

 

[blueka]

You didn't trade it in because it's not a clunker, you haven't taken on an extra payment you didn't need or couldn't afford... so shoot her.. and live off the insurance...


Si

 

[robertoa1a]

Mortgaging a car is always a bad idea. I'm on my 5th ford and am DEBT FREE. Fill in the blank. Not many family members understand that, with all due respect. How much do you owe on your ride?

Fix up the house dude! Or think about buying one. In this market you will do well. An $8000 incentive for home buyers aught to get her thinking'

Good deal on a car; no such thing.

Garage; priceless!

 

[Rick]

That's clever....although I don't think it would go over very big in some households! :thumbdwn:

All the more reason for the trade-in, or in that case trade-up