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Old May 14, 2002 | 03:55 PM
  #1  
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dave05065
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From: sharon USA
Post NEED HELP BAD

i have a 94 explorer sport and i am getting alot of spark knock when its warm this all happend after i did a tune-up
here are a few things i have done to try and fix this problem
mass air flow meter
had the computer diagnosed by the dealer and repaired the mass aier flow meter
flushed the moter to remove carbon
changed the thermostat
run high octane gas
removed the octane adjustment spout this worked but i was lacking some power
also my engine has a very small skip to it would dirty fuel injectors be the problem or maybe the fuel pressure regulator or the catalitic converter be the culprit
please help i am very frustrated and confused
 
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Old May 14, 2002 | 04:37 PM
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Have you checked/tightened the lower intake manifold bolts? It seems to be a common problem on the early explorer engines, and it helped my knocking. FWIW, I did tightened these bolts on my '92 w/o removing the upper intake manifold, though there were a couple of the bolts that required some creativity to get at. Another thing to check is the engine coolant temperature sensor. Some of the insulation had worn off of the wires there which caused the sensor to short out, making the computer think the engine was running real hot.
 
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Old May 14, 2002 | 04:56 PM
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oops i forgot to mention i did change the coolent temp sensor and i also tightent the intake bolts
 
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Old May 14, 2002 | 11:31 PM
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If the spark knock did not occur until after you did a tuneup, it may be a good idea to retrace your steps.
Specifically the spark plugs for proper heat range and gap.
I have found out that Motorcraft spark plugs do work the best, and the most popular aftermarket plugs are the worst in a Ford.
While the spout connector is out, make sure the timing is reasonably close to specs.
Although not common, the damper can slip and throw the timing mark off.
Lew
 
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Old May 14, 2002 | 11:47 PM
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Dialtone
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You mentioned a tune up. There have been several posts with people having problems after tune ups. The root seems to be type of plugs used. Bosch do not seem work well in this engine. Also several problems with spark plug wires posted.
Haynes manual recommends Motorcraft AWSF-42C for years 91-93 and Motorcraft AWSF42PP for 94 model. Gap for both is .054 inch.

Also, I would disconnect battery to clear computer, then do a re-learn drive since you have worked on/replaced sensors.
Also, check for vaccuum leaks/loose hoses, especially if you have a rough idle. Don't forget the brake booster. I have seen them leak internally and cause rough idle. PCV valve could be stuck open also.
Dialtone
 
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Old May 21, 2002 | 06:50 PM
  #6  
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well here it is i have done everything suggested to me in the recent posts and i even hollowed out my converter and i still have a ping weather its warm or cold out and it seems to be happening the worst just after i crest over the top of the hill i am climbing if there are anymore suggestions i should try. feel free to post them and i will try them i have got nothing to lose
thanks
Dave
 
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Old May 23, 2002 | 05:26 PM
  #7  
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well i changed the plugs and am running motocraft platinums
when i looked at my plugs i see that my engine is running lean i took it to a diffrent garage for the 3rd time and they all say that there is nothing worng with my computer or sensors and everything seems to be in ok shape except for the engine running lean
how do i richen it up so i dont smoke my engine
and how do i test my fuel pressure regulator
 
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Old May 24, 2002 | 07:32 AM
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I don't believe there is a test for it ,other than putting a pressure test on the system ,should be a shrader valve on the fuel rail,
should be done by a shop with proper tools unless you have them.

this could be a fuel starvation problem (fuel pump /fuel inlet screen or filter becoming clogged)or a tired fuel pump,how many miles on this vehicle?





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not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville
 
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Old May 24, 2002 | 04:16 PM
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it has 112,000 miles on it
 
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Old May 29, 2002 | 08:52 PM
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In cases of lean condition, clean your mass air flow sensor. Lots of times the code P0304 will show up.

The heated wire element builds up deposits on the wire and signals the wrong valves to the computer. Disconnect the neg battery terminal.

Remove the MAS and use a contact cleaner and/or a pick/brush to break up the deposits. One side will look clean, but the other side will have the buildup. Plug in the MAS and reconnect the battery for the computer to relearn.

A cheap fix to try.
 
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Old May 31, 2002 | 06:19 PM
  #11  
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NEED HELP BAD

i replaced the mass air flow sensor a $180 kick in the wallet and still the problem presists i guess i will have to purchase a fuel pressure tester and check the fuel pump pressure and the fuel regulater
if anyone have any other ideas please respond
thanks
 
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Old May 31, 2002 | 09:49 PM
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are you also sure you don't have a intake manifold leak?
there have been some problems in this area!

Just some more food for thought!

Rich






Ford Trucks Built Tough!
not with rocks
Watch out "X" Mayor of Truckville
 
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Old May 31, 2002 | 11:33 PM
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[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Jun-02 AT 00:36 AM (EST)]Have you even considered the O2 sensor(s)? I had a 2.3L turbo Merkur that would valve clatter like crazy as soon as turbo kicked in and boosted air flow to engine. All the self tests said all was OK. It never did set a computer code and almost drove me up a wall, but as soon as I figured out what was going on and changed it out, all was well.
Just a thought
Dialtone
 
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Old Oct 3, 2002 | 01:55 PM
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Old Oct 3, 2002 | 08:17 PM
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You may want to consider changing the lower intake manifold gaskets. They could be bad. Tightening bolts may not help.

Also, I think the replacement gaskets are better than the originals in earlier 4.0L's
 
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