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1998 ford explorer runs rough

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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 12:40 PM
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Question 1998 ford explorer runs rough

I have a 1998 ford explorer with a 4.0 single over head cam with around 130000 miles. It runs rough or sort of misses when heald at an even speed around 35-40 mph. It also runs rough for a few seconds when first started when cold out. I replaced the spark plugs and wires. I thought it may be the intake gaskets since I have read that is a common problem area. I replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and still same problem. I have also cleaned the mass air flow sensor. I hooked my obd ll testor up to it and no error codes showing. Any ideas??? Also I have enjoyed checking out other posts in here and have learned a lot...Thanks
 
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Old Apr 11, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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Ive got the same thing happening to mine as well....
Mine has about 108,000 miles on it.
Its a 98 XLT......
The transmission is doing something funky too.....Glad I only live 3 blocks from the office haha
 
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Old Apr 11, 2007 | 03:08 PM
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You sure it's not the transmission "hunting for proper gear" My 99 does it sometimes at around that speed, but conditions have to be just right. Does it do it in straight drive or overdrive?
 
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Old Apr 11, 2007 | 08:12 PM
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I had a similar issue with my '97 4.0 OHV. After replacing wires, spark plugs, IAC, and cleaning the MAF and TB, still no difference. A friend of mine suggested that I disconnect the battery for at least 30 minutes. Reconnect and then start the motor BUT do absolutely nothing else (turn the key and walk away) -- just let it idle for about 30 minutes to let the computer relearn and adjust itself. Don't be tempted to rev the engine or put in drive or reverse. The rough idle disappeared completely.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2007 | 10:07 AM
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Question 98 explorer runs rough

It does it pretty much when it gets above 35 mph. I notice it in town and on the interstate. I notice it most when trying to hold it at an even speed. It seems to have plenty of power on take-off and when getting on the interstate and doesn`t seem to cut out or anything. It is when I drive at an even speed. I have replaced the fuel filter thinking it may dirty, replaced the intake gaskets to eliminate it sucking air from that area, cleaned the mass air flow sensor, replaced plugs and wires, put fuel injector cleaner in the tank and have looked for air leaks but havent found any yet. The transmission seems to shift ok with the usual lag at times when driving around town. Thanks for the replies.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2007 | 10:30 AM
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Silly question.......did you use Motorcraft plugs?
 
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Old Apr 12, 2007 | 10:32 AM
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Question 98 explorer runs rough

I am not sure but think they were autolite double platinum
 

Last edited by job247; Apr 12, 2007 at 10:38 AM. Reason: used wrong word for brand name
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Old Apr 13, 2007 | 07:37 PM
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Question 1998 ford explorer runs rough

Just curious....I used an anti-seize compound on the new sparkplugs when I installed them. Would this cause a misfire of some sort? if so what is the best way to remove the compound from the spark plug holes???
 
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Old Apr 15, 2007 | 11:25 PM
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mIne does it in Straight drive and Over Drive.
 
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Old Apr 17, 2007 | 11:44 PM
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Question 98 explorer runs rough

Someone told me that the EGR valve may be bad. Would this cause it to miss and run uneven? How would I know if it was bad? I have ran out of ideas. Thanks for all the replies.
 
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