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Well the onset with cooler weather could be a clue to something like the intake manafold fasteners loosening up & causing a gasket leak.
Why not do a vacuum leak check with a propane sniffer as suggested by NewEnglandHeardsman. I "ve fashioned one from a metal sports ball inflation needle & some rubber hose.
If you find it's leaking, check the fastenrs & see if any are loose, maybe if your lucky retorquing them will suffice!!!!
The TSB that covers the 4.0L OHV is applicable only to the the '97 Ranger and Aerostar. There may be other TSBs out there that cover other engines with similar concerns, such as those used in the Excursion and Escort, but those other TSBs are not relevant to the Ranger nor the 4.0L. Keep in mind too that the date of a TSB is not meant to correlate with the model years that are covered therein.
The TSB you are referencing is not the same one. The one in that link (Article No. 01-20-5) is a notice to the Ford techs advising them of the availability of the Rotunda smoke mahine that can be used to find intake and EVAP leaks. Applicable to pretty much any Ford:
ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the Intake Manifold and/or Engine System causing DTC's, P0171 (System Too Lean (BANK 1), and/or P0174 (System Too Lean (BANK 11). This article can also be used if you suspect a vacuum leak that has not generated a DTC.
ACTION:
Use the Rotunda's Vacutec 522 - Smoke Leak Detector Machine to help detect vacuum or air leaks in the engine compartment air intake or vacuum system. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details...