Notices
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator 1997 - 2002 and 2003 - 2006 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Discussion

Running lean

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 22, 2025 | 12:38 PM
  #1  
Ol' Grouch's Avatar
Ol' Grouch
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 330
Likes: 185
Running lean

I've been getting a check engine light ever since I got my '04 a little over a year ago. A while back, one of the O2 sensors blew out. That stopped the CEL for a bit but now I'm getting a lean code for both banks. Now, on my Dodge, my Mazda and my Oldsmobile, I can trace that down. Where would the collective suggest I look on this puppy. It's got the 5.4 16 valve engine. It runs okay, but I don't like to leave the CEL on in case another code pops up.
 
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2025 | 03:12 PM
  #2  
Hamfisted's Avatar
Hamfisted
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 27
From: South Florida
A smoke test is the best way to find the vacuum leak.
The typical culprits are the PCV rubber elbow and the rubber grommet connection at the back of the intake manifold that the PCV pipe connects into.
Use a bright flashlight to inspect everything.

Mechanics Smoke Machine on Amazon Mechanics Smoke Machine on Amazon
 
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2025 | 06:54 PM
  #3  
Ol' Grouch's Avatar
Ol' Grouch
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 330
Likes: 185
Originally Posted by Hamfisted
A smoke test is the best way to find the vacuum leak.
The typical culprits are the PCV rubber elbow and the rubber grommet connection at the back of the intake manifold that the PCV pipe connects into.
Use a bright flashlight to inspect everything.

Mechanics Smoke Machine on Amazon

I'll look into that. My Dodge had a similar issue but it's set up different. That was a home made gasket I made to get it back in service. I can probably borrow a smoke machine from a friend. He's retired like I am but he ran a shop long after I closed mine. (1984 in my case. I made more money with less hassle working in a factory.) The bad rubber part might explain the once in a while smell of fuel.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
woody367
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Jan 13, 2025 01:38 PM
Liborius von Ditfurth
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
2
Aug 20, 2023 03:20 AM
77mud
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
6
Mar 17, 2014 06:48 PM
97F250LD4X
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
7
May 8, 2006 10:35 PM
tankhokie
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
2
Feb 26, 2005 04:11 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:58 AM.

story-0
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!

Slideshow: Ranking the 5 things owners love about their Super Duty and 5 things they don't

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:36:49


VIEW MORE
story-8
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!

Slideshow: Ranking all 12 Ford truck engines available in 2026.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 13:32:20


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)

Slideshow: The best Ford F-150 deal for every trim level (XL through Raptor)

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 15:59:01


VIEW MORE