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1997 Explorer Deceleration problem

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Old Aug 16, 2004 | 09:31 PM
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Exclamation 1997 Explorer Deceleration problem

I need help!! I have a 1997 4.0 V6 Explorer w/ 137,000 miles. On deceleration there is a series of three or four pops that can be heard. This only occurs when I decelerate from a speed of 55mph or greater. I took it into my locay Ford dealer and they ran a cleaner through the fuel system, which didn't fix anything. The technician said that it might be a sticking exhaust valve, he wouldn't be sure until he took the heads off. I've rebuilt a number of engines in my time, but I'm not very goog at troubleshooting problems. Before I tear the heads off I would appreciate any ideas I can get.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 12:39 PM
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From: BC Canada
Popping

If it only produces the popping on decel, it seems that it may be pushing unburnt fuel past the valves, could be either intake or exhaust, before pulling heads I would,

1. pull and check plugs for cracks or tracing
2. perform a compression test
3. use a good fuel injector cleaner
4. burn a fuel that has a cleaner in it
 
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 12:42 PM
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From: BC Canada
If it only produces the popping on decel, it seems that it may be pushing unburnt fuel past the valves, could be either intake or exhaust, before pulling heads I would,

1. pull and check plugs for cracks or tracing
2. perform a compression test
3. use a good fuel injector cleaner
4. burn a fuel that has a cleaner in it


I am running, both working well.
92 Exp, 320K
97 Exp, 275K
 
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 04:18 PM
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Poping

Thanks for the suggestions.
I picked up new plugs today. I'll be putting them in this weekend. I'll have to find my compression tester. The dealership already ran their $100 cleaner through the fuel system.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 08:09 PM
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I'd get a can of BG44K ($20) and put it in the gas tank. I do it twice a year, just after winter, and then again in the fall.
 
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 08:20 PM
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Poping

Where can I get the BG44K cleaner at in the Chicago area?
 
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 08:51 PM
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Should be able to get it at a NAPA store, possibly AutoZone, and I'm sure the dealer has it.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2004 | 08:43 AM
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I'd pull the EGR tube and look for blockage. If it still has a metal DPFE sensor, it may not be giving correct readings. Corrosion nodules grow inside and press on the sensor disk. This can cause it to show flow when it isn't. If you find corrosion in the ports it should be replaced. If you are handy, you can drill out the rivets and clean the chambers. The silicane gaskets are reuseable with a little dielectric grease and then just bolt it together.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2004 | 11:13 AM
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Unhappy Poping

I pulled the EGR valve off and inpected it for blockage and leakage. Put a vacuum on it and it opened and held the vacuum. It was well sealed when I released the vacuum. The DPFE is the plastic version, the two rubber hoses look in good shape and the metal tube look good too. Suggestions?
 
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Old Aug 20, 2004 | 11:15 AM
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Oh, by the way, my local NAPA has never heard of BG44K and my local dealer gets a similar product in 55gal drums.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2004 | 11:41 AM
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Interesting on the NAPA thing. BG is one of the most well known treatments series in the US. Hmmmmmmmmmm.....
 
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