Hey guys, I'm back.

[slow96z]

Hi guys. I haven't been around for a few years since I traded my 04 for an F150, but I had a friend call me the other day and offer me this 97 Eddie Bauer 4wd with 190xxx on it for free. The truck has sat for over a year because it wouldn't start, they suspected the fuel pump. Now the starter won't turn at all so I'm going to pull that and see what it's going to take to make this thing run. My plans are:

Get it running
Replace air suspension
Lift
Wheels / Tires
Give to son for 1st car

I'm not asking any questions yet, just saying hi. I'm sure I will be back in here with loads of issues. As the old adage goes...."Few things are more expensive than a free car".

We will see, and maybe have some fun in the process.

 

[Shaggy]

Hi guys. I haven't been around for a few years since I traded my 04 for an F150, but I had a friend call me the other day and offer me this 97 Eddie Bauer 4wd with 190xxx on it for free. The truck has sat for over a year because it wouldn't start, they suspected the fuel pump. Now the starter won't turn at all so I'm going to pull that and see what it's going to take to make this thing run. My plans are:

Get it running
Replace air suspension
Lift
Wheels / Tires
Give to son for 1st car

I'm not asking any questions yet, just saying hi. I'm sure I will be back in here with loads of issues. As the old adage goes...."Few things are more expensive than a free car".

We will see, and maybe have some fun in the process.

Free is always nice! Welcome back. Got pics you can share of it?

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

++ on welcome back.

 

[slow96z]

Free is always nice! Welcome back. Got pics you can share of it?

Let me get it cleaned up and I’ll post some.

 

[slow96z]

Well, still no pics, as I haven't had tome to wash it yet, but I did get the engine un-frozen, the tank drained (the blackest gas I have ever seen!) and a new fuel pump and filter installed. It was rough, but it ran. I replaced the passenger side PCV boot at the back of the throttle body yesterday and not it runs much smoother with the only code being a bad #8 coil. New coils will be here tomorrow so I'll celebrate swapping them with a car wash and then I'll post some pics.

In the meantime, here's the gas I pulled out of it:

And here is the fuel pump:

More to come.

 

[slow96z]

Oh, I also smoke-tested it to see if it had vacuum leaks. I found the culprit, but you may enjoy the video:

 

[Daves Not Here]

I'm enjoying your work on this truck. I own the same year/motor/trim Expedition, and enjoy watching the process of bringing a vehicle back from the dead, especially for such a worthwhile cause as your son's first car. Take your time and let's see what she looks like when your done....and keep the updates coming! Good Luck.

 

[1955moose]

Wow slow, your engine looks like it's on fire! Where the hell is your vacuum leak? Looks like the whole motor. Looked like last time I BBQ'd ribs.

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[slow96z]

Thanks DNH. Moose, I thought it was just the passenger PCV elbow at the intake, which had a huge hole in it, but after I replaced that and drove around it threw a code, so I’m pretty sure the intake gasket is going to be the issue.

I was told the ac works great, but the compressor isn’t kicking on and there is no relay to jump to test operation. Any ideas other than just connecting the compressor wires to a constant hot?

 

[1955moose]

#13 under dash maxi fuse is auxiallry AC fuse. I'd check there, make sure you have power and fuse is good. Their is also a diode in the under hood fuse box, second one according to diagram for AC clutch. You can also simply pull plug going to compressor, checking for power/ground. Hope that helps.

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[John Christopher]

I hope this truck doesn't end up costing you a small fortune. Sometimes free isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Good luck with it.

 

[1955moose]

Most states have a buy back program, we do here in California. They give you $1,000, $1500, if your low income. Problem is he'll have to hang on to it for I believe at least 3-5 years. I got the $1500 for my 84 Lincoln mark years back. Had that great car 18 years. Cried all the way to pick and pull, Oakland.

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