Originally Posted by hexman
I have a 97 Ranger 4.0, ~105,000. The check engine was on for a while in the summer, but the truck ran fine. Once it started to get cold out (Chicago), it would want to die after starting it. Once the truck warmed up, it would still want to die at stops. When it would get really cold out, it would be difficult to just get it to stay running until you warmed it up.
I've read the posts, and hoped it was the MAF. I cleaned it, no change. Thought I would try the upper intake manifold gasket next, I didn't want to attempt the lower. I see no signs of leakage around the lower manifold or head covers, so I thought that would be fine. I pulled the upper intake off sucessfully with the awsome pictures provided by Rockledge. When I look in the ports, sure enough, you can see the gasket for the fuel rail is sucked in, as reported by many.
My question is, how do you get that fuel rail off? I'm afraid to hear the answer. Also, do you think it's worth changing the fuel injectors at this point? I know they are expensive, but I'm in there. Any help would be appreciated.
Welcome!
The fuel supply manifold is bolted to the lower intake manifold with the same studs that hold the nuts for the upper intake manifold. You need to remove those studs using a "reverse torx head" bit (forgot the size).
Keep in mind that you will be pulling the fuel injectors out along with the fuel supply manifold, as an assembly. Be careful when pulling off the injector electrical connectors, the clips can be brittle.
The best way to free up each of the injectors from the lower intake manifold is to twist back and forth while pulling. Work each one, they will come out easy enough.
A small vacuum hose to the fuel pulse damper may have to be pulled off, but the fuel supply line to the manifold is a flex hose and so you shouldn't have to disconnect it in order to have enough room to replace the gasket. If you do feel the need to discconnect the fuel supply line, make sure you relieve the fuel pressure first (pull fuel pump relay and crank engine).
Clean the gasket surface thoroughly.
When intalling the fuel supply manifold, lightly lube the injector 0-rings with motor oil and again push while twisting a little bit if necessary. Once the injectors are all seated properly, torque the manifold retaining studs to 14 Nm (10 lb-ft).
No need to replace the injectors. At most, have them professionally cleaned.