Tune Up - 1998 Exped XLT 4WD

My Expy and I went through the flood here in OK last year. Water only got up to her running boards ... she starts and runs without (much of a) hitch ... no different than before the flood
That's to say ... she runs rough, noticeable lack of power.
So ... Girl Mechanic here is going to attempt a Tune Up. Expy got a new #3 coil before the flood, and was better for a bit - then right back to being rough. Her maintenance and use has been sporadic since I lost my husband AND I have his Lariat to repair as well (solenoid and master cylinder)
What I need is a list. A list I can take over to Rock Auto and order what I need to do a basic tune up ... $300 for my beloved mechanic is not in the cards at the moment. Need to put in some sweat equity.
Thank you for the help!!!
Anne

Anne, Find out what is causing the engine to run rough. Could be as simple as a dirty air filter. Take the Expy to your local Auto Zone, Advance Auto, Car Quest or equivalent in your area. They should be able to read the codes to pinpoint your issue and what action to take.

Anne,
The coil-over-plugs tend to go and sometimes before they go the rubber/plastic boots that connect to the spark plugs deteriorate. The COPS can be good but give a misfire just because the boot is cracked.

My Ford dealer sells them separately perhaps Rock does too. You can inspect each to determine.

Also I learned the hard way that when one COP goes others are close to failing as well so you end up chasing mice. I just bit the bullet and replaced all when I did the spark plugs.

Lastly, you might want to run a strong intake cleaner additive if not have your intake cleaned by machine. This I found can cause rough idle especially.

Good luck.

Thanks, Machete ... Expy has not had a true tune up in more than 8 years. My philosophy is to start with the simple things I can repair/control like COPS and wires, etc
This is when I miss my hubby the most I was the Go-For and he'd know what I was supposed to get
When I get her tag current, she can go to O'Reilly's for codes. But I really want to start with basics!!

Anne M Geffert said:

Thanks, Machete ... Expy has not had a true tune up in more than 8 years. My philosophy is to start with the simple things I can repair/control like COPS and wires, etc
This is when I miss my hubby the most I was the Go-For and he'd know what I was supposed to get
When I get her tag current, she can go to O'Reilly's for codes. But I really want to start with basics!!

Click to expand...

You can create new problems by replacing parts (that may be working properly). My advice is read the codes ... try to fix the misfire, hopefully identified by the code. Once you have a stable platform then sure start upgrading the items that are out of date. I can't tell you how many times I replaced a part that was working right trying to guess what was the root cause of whatever problem I had and I broke something else doing that or the new part didnt work and then I had TWO or more problems. Its easier to diagnose one problem at a time.
Diagnosis and then repair beats guessing and parts replacement.

I guess ... in my mind ... the term "tune-up" is outdated. No longer applies? The current thing would be scheduled maintenance. Things like spark plugs are scheduled to be replaced after a certain number of miles. Unless there is a problem like a misfire. The scheduled maintenance chart is in the Owners Manual. But then you would have to know the maintenance history of the vehicle also. Things like brakes, batteries, tires get replaced when they aren't working right or worn out. Air filter ... fuel filter are top items for replacement on a regular basis.

My money is on the coils, you may need to replace one or a few more. They do not like to get wet.

Like MrSticker says.. grab the codes. (I have a cheap OBD2 that works along with my smart phone to read codes).. you can buy more sophisticated ones but this cheap one does me fine (From Amazon). You may pinpoint down to one faulty COP.. or even air intake without spending $$$ easter egging. good luck!!!

Thanks guys! This is my tow vehicle for my horses and hay loads, so replacing all eight coils and plugs is not huge for me. It is an investment to not be stuck on the road somewhere!! and she deserves the newbies after 8+ years of indifferent maintenance.
Oh ... the engine never got wet in our flood. The water only got to the running boards. She started first try when I got home!
I wound up with 8 ignition coils and platinum plugs, dielectric grease, a pcv valve, fuel filter and a air filter for $111 inc shipping.
The wires I could not make sense of, so they might have to be local.
Thanks for the help!!
Anne

Ann, while you’re at Autozone getting those codes pulled and printed out (for free) get a new air filter, can of throttle body and can of mass airflow (MAF) sensor spray cleaner and give those a thorough cleaning.

That’s the least cost place to start ironing out rough engine problems on Your Expy or Lariat.

Air filter was delivered today The $100 I spent is an investment, really. I'll pick up the MAF and throttle sprays!!
The Lariat HAS to have a Master Cylinder, also delivered, before she can go anywhere. No brakes at all. Nada. Kinda scary. Pedal to floor and coast to stop. Also got her a solenoid and battery cables at my mechanic's suggestion because even with a fresh battery, she won't give the slightest effort to start. crickets.
Thank you all for the help ... Dr's appointments tomorrow, fix the mower Wednesday, work on garage organization and maybe ready to install parts over the weekend!!