Not idling?

DIANA WALLACE

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPEDITION
5.4L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

Okay, thought the problem was the fuel filter and replaced it. Then vacuum lines were messed with and it won't idle from that point. I replaced catalytic converters and o2 sensors just yesterday and replaced them with a used ERG valve. Still won't idle.
I'm stumped!

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Diana,

If someone was messing with the vacuum hoses, that is what is likely causing this issue. Chances are one of the hoses is damaged, cracked, disconnected, or installed incorrectly.

Do me a favor. Take a look at this link. It explains how to check for, locate, and repair an engine vacuum leak. Let me know if this is something you are comfortable performing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Also, from the rear of the throttle body, there is a vacuum hose that has a 90-degree angle in it. The angle is known to dry rot and leak.

Let me know what you find, what I can do to help, or if you simply have other questions.,

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 AT 6:30 PM

DIANA WALLACE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the suggestions!
Okay, I tried all that and can't find any issues with the vacuum lines.
Did inspect the throttle body and that's all gummed up and when that was disconnected from the lines, it idled on its own, but that was short lived. I also took off the main vacuum line and it was too gummed up and it stayed idling, great sign! So going to clean the heck out of both and hopefully that'll help.
It's still at a consistent idle running rough.
Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated!
We are getting closer it seems!

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Saturday, December 10th, 2022 AT 10:10 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi,

Is it the hoses that are gummed up or the throttle body? As far as the throttle body, here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Let me know if that helps and how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, December 10th, 2022 AT 6:15 PM

DIANA WALLACE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hey Joe,

It's fixed! Finally!
It was a vacuum line that was near the firewall in the back of the engine. It is now idling and running great! What a pain in the butt that was to find.
Thanks for the help!

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Sunday, December 11th, 2022 AT 9:07 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi,

Excellent! I'm glad you found it. They can be a pain. LOL Just out of curiosity, was it a hose that has a 90-degree bend in it? I've seen that one off the rear of the engine dry rot and leak.

Regardless, if you have a chance, let me know. Also, thanks for the update, and feel free to come back in the future. You're always welcome.

Take care,

Joe