The wife's 02 Sport-Trac (4.0L) got the dreaded PO171/PO174 CEL.

Had a couple different auto parts places scan the OBD system and of course the MAF was the suspect.

Im sure glad that I check out this board before spending the $120 plus for a rebuilt MAF (I wonder how they "rebuild" them).

Found the rubber elbow under the Thottle Body cracked and collapsed.

As you know one cant purchase just the elbow from Ford. You need the near $40 tube assembly.

Searching the "net I found that a couple different Gates hoses can be used to replace the elbow and made a trip to the auto parts store to get one. Although they didnt have the p/n I had found they did come up with a hose that was the correct ID for $12 (with a premolded elbow that I had to cut out of the hose to use).

Got the "modified" hose installed, cleared the ECM and sent the wife on her way to work. So far no CEL.

Should make this topic a "sticky".

 

I agree it should be made a sticky, on the condition that the acceptable substitute part numbers be posted.

 

And I'd also like confidence that the "substitute" parts are intended for oily applications rather than coolant or similar. A hose that is not intended for use in a PCV system could decompose or collapse when exposed to oil and/or vacuum.

-Rod