My 97 econoline engine quits unless I keep it running with the acelerator .When I stop at a light it quits unless I keep my foot on the gas,otherwise it runs really well. New plugs at 120 thousand, now has about 150 thous miles. Local dealers chg. about $90.00 per hr. to find out what is wrong. I am hoping that someone on the forum can help me and
it is a part that I can change myself.


Thank You Jim

 

What engine does it have ?

 

Thank you for the comeback. The engine is a 5.4

 

Without knowing more details, my swag is....

1. IAC (replace it- it is likely filled filled carbon and sticking or defective at this point)
2. Intake manifold leak.

 

is the check engine light on?

whats it run like at a stop, then accelerating? shaky?

take it to a autozone and have them see if any codes pop up.

 

What is the full name of the IAC? Is that the one with a pipe from the exhaust bolted to it and it is bolted to the intake and a vacume hose connected to it on the back end of the engine?
Thanks again

 

You really need some kind of manual. IAC is Idle Air Control. Its a computer controlled solenoid air valve on intake that adjusts idle to maintain RPM when accessories cut in/out. Some times you can get away by cleaning, if IAC is just stuck.

EGR is "the one with a pipe from the exhaust bolted to it and it is bolted to the intake and a vacume hose connected". Before you ask, it stands for: Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

 

CW is 100% 0n the money on that one..........my understanding of modular engines is that they are more prone to ignition issues ( individual coil failure ) than anything else...but vacuum leaks and intake integrity like a Maf ( mass air flow sensor ) sensor have to be inspected and confirmed as well........

 

Thank you all for the replys and info. now it is up to me to get out and do something.I have a Haynes Ford manual ,hope that it has procedures
to check these out. Has anyone ever made a plate to block off the
E.G.R. hole in the intake to check if it is the problem. Will the engine
still run with it blocked off?I hope that this is not to dumb of a ? to
answer.

Thank you Jim

 

The ECU will set a check engine light if the EGR system is compromised. Your engine will also run hotter, gain no power since EGR is only enabled during low-load conditions, and the exhaust system lifespan will be shortened. Ford also abuses EGR in a neat way to increase fuel economy (by reducing pumping loss via opening the intake butterfly more and allowing the engine to run leaner without NOX formation). A faulty/disabled EGR system will actually REDUCE fuel economy on the OBDII vans.

If you think its the source of your leak/issues, you can just plug/cork it off to test. Your engine compartment will fill with hot exhaust gasses from the pipe.

While idling from a cold start, your EGR valve SHOULD BE CLOSED. If it remains open then something is wrong. The ECU should be setting a code for this unlikely condition.

 

Hope you have "a Haynes Ford manual" that covers '97 Econoline.

EGR relies on a vacuum actuated valve that should open, close & not leak. In most cases "if it is (a) problem" it either won't open, won't close, or leaks. If EGR is plugged up or "blocked off" motor should "still run" but not well. In that event, EGR position sensor should cause computer to throw EGR fault code & enter a default mode. That is, a reduced performance 'limp home' program.

Suspect few "ever made a plate to block off the E.G.R. hole in the intake (just trying) to check if it is the problem". Most inspect/test the EGR valve & its plumbing "to check" for faults.

 

I will not plug that off, just check it as you suggested.