Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 21, 2003 | 12:28 PM
  #1  
EK082's Avatar
EK082
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Looking for some advise. Have a 98 Explorer Sport 4.0L EFI. When I start the truck it idles a little rough. But if I drive it right away the whole truck vibrates because the motor is bogging down. If I let the truck idle for a few minutes before driving there is no problem. If I do drive it right after start up it bogs down for a few minutes then smooths out and runs fine. I have replaced the plugs and wires. Cleaned the MAF, and replaced the idle air control valve. Maybe the TBS is bad? Any suggestions to my problem would be greatly appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2003 | 01:14 PM
  #2  
jbecker906's Avatar
jbecker906
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

I started a similar thead this morning - mine is a 98, 5 liter explorer. I get knocking or pinging until it warms up. Then, the problem almost or completely disappears until I turn the engine off then it comes back again until I run it atleast 30 seconds again.... sometimes longer. I cleaned the MAF, and replaced plugs. Since the plug wires are due, I will change them, but I doubt that this will fix the problem, since this thing idles and always runs smooth after a short warm-up....... I suspect the EGR valve, but will do some more research before doing any more tearing into this.

It does make sense that a sticking valve would tend to produce this behavior...... Everything else that I have read about, seems to get worse as the motor runs - fuel injectors, filters, pumps.

Not sure about the TPS or the profile ignition sensor.

Good luck with yours.... please let me know what how it goes.
 
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2003 | 07:47 PM
  #3  
Billy177's Avatar
Billy177
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

had this prolblem it is your lower intake manifold gasket make sure you get them fized under recall
 
Reply
Old Sep 21, 2003 | 10:33 PM
  #4  
jbecker906's Avatar
jbecker906
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Billy - I have read about the gasket in the past few days. When I first bought my explorer, (used) a month ago, I had the Ford dealer check out the AC. He did not mention this recall...... should I be surprised?

Today I did a quick visual check of the tubes and hoses around the EGR valve....... sure enough, there was a crack in the tube that leads to the EGR. As a quick test, I used JB Weld epoxy on that area, waited 15 minutes, then went for a short but brisk test drive. Knocking/Pinging were virtually gone. Looks like I found at least most, if not all, of the problem. But I plan on calling the dealer back to ask why he didn't mention the recall.... or how broken heater box plenum doors produce a symptom of a bad AC system (I have tried the "free (AC) fix" - it works).

Thanks for the info.
 
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2003 | 03:15 PM
  #5  
Michael013's Avatar
Michael013
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Texas
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

There are many "not talked about" recalls on explorers. They do not tell you unless you complain about a problem related to the SB recall.
 
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2003 | 04:27 PM
  #6  
EK082's Avatar
EK082
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Michael what is a SB recall. Billy there are no recalls according to Ford for my vehicle except a bolt for the reclining seat ( 98 Explorer 4.0l EFI). If you are right though how can I tell if my lower intake manifold gasket is leaking? Also if it was wouldn't it trigger a sensor and thus a code?
 
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2003 | 09:00 PM
  #7  
Michael013's Avatar
Michael013
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Texas
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Ford Service Bulletin.
If I can remember a few:
Cam noise.
Torque Converter.
Lifter Noise(might have been part of the cam)

Did they run your vehicle on the old OAISIS system?(for recalls)
Ask your Service Advisor about the intake manifold gasket, then talk to the Service Manager if unsatisfactory result.

NHTSB.gov carriers complaints and recall information.
 
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2003 | 11:48 PM
  #8  
jwalker's Avatar
jwalker
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Have a 96 explorer, I start the truck, runs rough after about 30 seconds to a minute, it smoothens out and runs pretty good. I have a check engine light that is on though.

Checked out the code says 1 and 2 misfiring. Did a compression and compression came back 120 at first dropping to 0, but I get good milage per gallon, runs fine?

I am going to to a leak-down test, and a motorvac treatment to see what is going, and hope for a cheap miriacle. Point is you could have a valve, head gasket, or cam issue, or I could be looking in the wrong area.

Just a though, the issue seem the say.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Sep 23, 2003 | 07:10 AM
  #9  
EK082's Avatar
EK082
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Could the timing chain tensioner be my problem?
 
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2003 | 07:12 AM
  #10  
EK082's Avatar
EK082
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1998 Ford Explorer Bogs Down Until Warm

Could my timing chain tensioner be the problem?
 
Reply
Old Oct 7, 2003 | 09:12 PM
  #11  
1998explorersport's Avatar
1998explorersport
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Michael013

What is the torque converter service bulletin you mentioned. I didn't know about the lower intake manifold gasket bulletin, and will have that checked out. I bought my 98 sport 2 years ago with 34,000 miles and the pinging started around 40,000 miles. I've just been pumping higher grade gas into it and that seemed to help. It also bogs down when I first start driving. I have 71,000 miles on the truck now.
 
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2003 | 07:16 PM
  #12  
madymo3d's Avatar
madymo3d
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Motown
I think the LIM gasket recall is only on the 4.0L SOHC, does not include the 5 liter.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lvin4jc
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
44
Dec 6, 2014 11:29 PM
twise
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Aug 20, 2014 06:02 PM
ggray
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Jul 17, 2014 12:28 PM
mic39
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Nov 17, 2013 07:47 PM
lumberjack_964
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Sep 3, 2013 08:30 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:57 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE