Ok finally got the PCV elbow replaced! Geez that was no fun...

Anyhow, here are some pics of the old elbow - a little dirty inside and it isn't perfectly rounded on the corner, but I don't see any holes in it. Any other ideas? I can't seem to trace the hose itself to the other end because I can't even see anything in its crappy location (I'm really frustrated at how difficult this van has been to access parts if you can't tell). Any other ideas by chance for the running lean codes?

 

Lean means less gas than the engine should have is being delivered. It causes higher head temps and exhaust gas temps which might be the sensor that is throwing out a high temp reading to make the computer say running lean. If its fuel injected try the fuel injector cleaner fuel additive. Theres some Sea Foam or some name like that some guys swear by for cleaning out a gummed up system. I'm not sure if the product has a fuel additive for fuel injection but I did see some bottles at an auto parts store a couple of weeks ago. Then theres a chance maybe its a bad exhaust gas temp gauge.

If you have a normal carb then try adjusting the mixture screw (adjusts the amount of fuel flow for throttle position) thats on the carb. If you have a repair manual the technique for adjusting the mixture should be in there. I always used a vacume gauge on carbs. This guys has a different best high rpm method.

Good luck getting things fixed up to your likings.

 

does the elbow seem to be 'spongy' or really soft? If there are not any holes in it, it may be collasping under vacuum....possibly. I just replaced this elbow shown above, as mine was all soft and had huge hole in it, and all of my codes are gone. i thought i was gonna have to replace the dpfe sensor but looks like i dont as i dont have any more idle issues or codes. i also replaced the 'pcv valve' grommet as it was a loose fit for the pcv valve. dont give up, your almost there. Best of luck!

 

Definitely, the old elbow did seem pretty soft compared to the new one. That makes sense if it was collapsing under vacuum, as the flat part on the curve indicates a weak spot.. Glad to see it cleared your codes, I'm going to do a drive cycle this afternoon to see if the codes are cleared and will report back!

 

Progress being made, still not quite there - here's what's going on now:

I drove the van and about 3 miles into the drive the CEL came on. Pulled over and scanned it. P0174 was the only code, and the P0171 was no longer tripped. Down to one code. Drove about 6 miles stop & go traffic and scanned again. Still only the one code.

Only had less than 1/4 tank of gas in it so went to the gas station and filled gas to 3/4 tank then cleared codes with the scanner.

Drove away and hopped on the highway putting about 15 highway miles on it around 60-70 mpg. No CEL. Back into town, about 5 city miles driving, 20-35mph stop & go traffic. No CEL.

20 total miles on it so far, stopped and scanned it. Two codes showing as pending: P0171 and P0174.

Started up again, few more miles city driving. Scanned it. Still pending codes.

Few more miles and got back home and parked it, scanned it. Still pending codes.

What is the deal with pending codes? Do they ever go away or am I still not there yet with part changing? I don't have a garage so it would be hell pulling out the MAF sensor and cleaning it, and the more I work on it on the street, the more I'm risking getting a ticket...if the pending codes go away somehow I should be in the clear. Any further advice?

 

I would try to disconnect the battery for 30sec-1min and do a scan. If not is there, do a bit of driving to see what may come up again. Are you having any idling issues in any gear while stopped or while in park? Any hesitation?

 

Ok I'll try that - no idling issues while stopped nor in park, and no hesitation either from what I can tell. Slight purr from the engine, but it's always been there - doesn't sound like a vacuum leak to me. I'll report back after disconnecting and reconnecting then driving it tomorrow (got a good parking spot that I don't want to lose tonight, parallel parking the van in the city is no fun). Thanks!

 

Ugh. Both codes finally threw the CEL on during the 3rd drive cycle today. It's a 1997 van and I'm not going to put $500 into this thing just to pass smog.

Pacific, I did try an additive but might try that seafoam stuff, looks like it gets good reviews.

Down to:
- fuel filter
- smoke test to check for vacuum leak somewhere else
- dirty MAF sensor
- o2 sensors
- something as simple as the gas cap or oil dipstick maybe still? both are original oem...

 

Update: I removed and cleaned the MAF sensor - it looked clean already but I went ahead and sprayed it anyway since it was out and maybe there was guck on it I couldn't see, and then let it dry before reinstalling.

While the intake was off, I did a visual inspection of all the vacuum hoses I could see and felt the undersides for any cracks - looked good. Also did a visual and physical examination of the intake for any cracks, holes, etc. Again, looked good. Air filter very clean, new within the last 3000 miles. Oil dipstick was seated as well as I could tell.

I reinstalled the MAF sensor and intake and fired up the engine. It sounded better for a few minutes and then started to purr again like before. I still don't think it sounds like a vacuum leak but not 100% sure.

Bought a new fuel filter anyway since it's a bit sluggish to start after sitting for a few days and will install that if the codes come back on after a drive cycle tomorrow. I'm not gonna let this damn emissions crap get the best of me and can't afford to take it in for a pro to smoke test it or diagnose it.

This is turning into a diary, I know, but hopefully it serves as a good resource to people in the future with the same codes popping up - they seem popular. Feedback is still welcome.

 

the MAF sensor was the next thing i was gonna say check but I see you got that covered. how is the pcv valve fitting? is it loose or snug? that grommet can get worn out. Only other thing I can think of maybe the 2 sensor(s) themselves but i belive there is a way to test the voltage response of them before your start throwing $$ tat way. By chance can u take a video of ths 'purr' noise?? maybe one of else can help? Hang in there, im sure its sumtin overlooked throwin the codes

 

Not sure how the valve itself is fitting, I can't get my hands back there to check that part out. I hope that's not it this whole time, just can't get to it.

I took it out today and did some driving to get the monitors set. The codes came on as pending again and here is what my OBDII monitors look like:

MIL - off
Misfire - Ready
Fuel - Ready
CCM - Ready
Cat - Ready
HCM - n/a
EVAP - not ready
2air - n/a
A/C - n/a
O2s - not ready
HO2s - not ready
EGR - ready

Pending codes: P0171 & P0174

So apparently N/A means that the vehicle is not equipped with those monitors, is that correct? So in that case the O2s and HO2s are the only ones left to set (along with the EVAP which is hard as hell to get it ready?)

If the EGR monitors are ready and the codes are only pending then would that mean the EGR system is all back to good again and maybe it's the O2 sensors that aren't on? If so, what could I possibly due other than replacing them? At $45 each in parts, that's $90 to $180 to replace - yikes..

Also, do you think I'm safe to not change the fuel filter at this point? That's $30 I could save by not changing it...

I took a video and will try to figure out a way to upload/embed it.

I'm about at a loss here, what are your thoughts? Thanks!

 

If you look at the pic above that shows the "doghouse" removed, you can actually access the pcv valve very easill as it is on the right rear of the engine on the valve cover. its within arms if you access it from the passenger side. Also, the o2 sensors, atleast the downstream ones are rt there as well. I think we have 4 o2 sensors but i could be wrong. still new to workin on this van. anyway what im gettin at is that if you have/had the parts, doesnt seem like the labor for either the pcv valve/valve grommet or the 02 sensors would be too crazy as they are rt there.

As far as the EVAP goes, im not sure what that is but i did come across this upon googling it --> 2002 ford e-150: van..V6..I cleared out an error code (cyl 3 misfire) - JustAnswer

Seems you may just have to complete a drive cycle of 10 minutes where u have to cruis 45 to 65mph w/o any hills or sharp turns. Then maybe it will turn ready?

Not sure if you should change the fuel filter just yet, i say check the grommet 1st and go from there. Good Luck

 

So I took djbonsu's recommendation and removed the PCV hose and cleaned the grommet at the PCV valve to ensure a tight seal since it felt a bit loose and was extremely dirty (pic at bottom).I got down to change the fuel filter but holy crap the front of it is nearly impossible to get to with my hands, let alone any tools.

I then cleared the codes yet again. Finally got around to a drive cycle tonight and here's what I have now after the drive cycle I did:

MIL - off
Misfire - Ready
Fuel - Ready
CCM - Ready
Cat - Ready
HCM - n/a
EVAP - Not Ready
2air - n/a
A/C - n/a
O2s - Ready
HO2s - Ready
EGR - Ready

Pending codes: P0171 & P0174 showed up again, but still only as pending.

If anyone knows, will this pass CA smog with one monitor (EVAP) not ready? It's damn near impossible to find an area where I can drive 60mph for 10 minutes straight in LA.

Thanks for everyone's continued assistance.