I have noticed in my 98 Explorer Sport that the mileage is worse than my 2000 Superduty. I know it has the 17.5 gal tank and I'm getting 12 mpg with it on average....its actually worse on the highway.
I bought it a couple weeks ago and it runs well...maybe a little rough, but the check engine soon light comes on and goes off intermittantly. I haven't done a tune-up on it yet, or changed the oil/filter, or air filter yet. I can't see that making the little truck get such crappy mileage though.
Get the codes scanned. If lean codes it could be lower intake gaskets. Check for vacuum leaks. Change plugs- (I use Autolite double platinums) and wires-(use motorcraft or magnetic suppression wires). Change fuel filter and air filter. Possibly clean the MAF. I do a full tune up when I buy a used vehicle. My 98 sport gets 14 city and 18 highway.
Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get all that done sometime this week, if the weather holds. My Expy Sport has the 4.0 Litre SOHC engine, does the OHV and SOHC engines use the same plugs/wires/fuel filters, etc. ? I know they use a different oil filter. As far as performance goes, the little Expy has a LOT of pep, very responsive...just poopy mileage, even if I baby the accelerator.
Other than that, its a great little truck for $2,500...I'm pretty sure it has every option but leather seats. I had a black one exactly like it, but the ex-wife took it in the divorce 5 years ago...and totalled it, of course.
OHV and SOHC use the same plugs and filters.
Oil Filter - Mobil M1-301
Oil - Mobil-1 Extended -15,000
Oil Capacity - 5Qts w/filter
Oil Drain plug 13mm wrench - 17-22 LB Ft
Trans Capacity - 9.5Qts. - 5r55e
Transfer Case - 1.5 Qts.
Front Axle - 3.5 Pts. 80W-90
Rear Axle - 5.8 Pts. plus (4 oz.) of additive friction modifier C8AZ-19B546-A, 75W-140
rear diff cover Gasket-Felpro RDS 55341
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Crummy mileage...
