00 Explorer doesn't like cold days

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Dec 14, 2007 | 10:31 AM

superduty4x4

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From: Newport, WA

00 Explorer doesn't like cold days

My wife drives an 00 Explorer, and with the cold (single digit) temps we've been getting in the mornings it's being cranky about starting. It turns over and starts fine, but after it starts it idles way up, then idles way down to the point of dying sometimes. We have a warranty on it, but the dealer we bought from is 2 hours away and we have a hard time getting there on days they are open. Any suggestions on things to check? If it's any help, it's got a 4.0L in it.

Dec 14, 2007 | 01:04 PM

marragtop

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From: Baltimore

Could be the intake gaskets. Do a search, there are a lot of posts on this problem.

Dec 14, 2007 | 02:08 PM

HuskerMedic

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Yup, the symptoms you're describing are almost the exact same symptoms my '99 Explorer was having about three years ago when the intake gasket was replaced under warranty. No problems since.

Dec 14, 2007 | 02:12 PM

97 Mountain Man

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From: Raytown MO

Could be the IAC as well. Are you getting a CEL?

Dec 14, 2007 | 04:07 PM

superduty4x4

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From: Newport, WA

No light, runs fine otherwise. How much of a PITA is this intake gasket to replace?

Dec 15, 2007 | 11:35 AM

thatlilredneck

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My 98 Explorer 4.0 SOHC uses O-Rings where the plastic manifold bolts to the heads. Not sure but the 00 is probably the same. I replaced them a couple of years ago. It looks really tough but once you get started it's not bad. Plan 4-6 hours. I replaced the thermostat and flushed the system while at it. There are lots of posts here about cold weather problems. My Exp problems never surfaced until the temp dropped below about 40 degrees. One problem is with the idle air control valve sticking. I replaced the IAC, still had the problem and finally replaced the O-Rings. The O-rings are cheap but the IAC is about $70 at Napa. You need a book or some reference for the torque specs, a 1/4" torque wrench and the special socket wrench (I don't remember which ones it takes and I bought the wrong set the first time). BTW Ford wanted $700 to change the O-Rings. My cost for O-Rings, tools, book and Antifreeze was around $100. Good luck.

"TWO WHEELS ARE BETTER THAN FOUR"

Feb 4, 2008 | 12:52 PM

edward r

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can you tell me what you need to pull/remove/drain to change those o rings ??

my friend has a 2000 4.0 SOHC with the dreaded cold weather idle problem.