Maintenance Q's

[Edwindo]

Got a couple of minor issues that have come up with my 03 XLT since we purchased it. Nothing that I wouldn't expect on a vehicle this age, just trying to figure out where to head first with getting things taken care of.

First, it starts hard, (cranks 4-5 seconds or so) unless I cycle the key a couple of times and let the fuel pump pressure up a bit. Then it takes right off. Should I be looking to replace the fuel pump soon, or just nurse it along until it quits completely.

Second, its got a bit of a rough idle. I have the 4.6, and so far the only things I have done are change the air and fuel filter, clean the MAF sensor, and run some Seafoam in a tank of gas or two. It seems to run out ok, and doesn't miss that I can tell when I'm standing on it, but I'm wondering with the age and the miles (77k now) if I need to be thinking about doing plugs and COPs. I have no maintenance records from the previous owner, so I don't know if they've ever been changed. I'm kinda guessing not. I've got some pics of a couple of the COP's because I'm curious if anyone can tell me if these might be original, or what the yellow paint markings are on the covers.

If anyone else has any thoughts on engine maintenance stuff I should be thinking about doing on this, let me know. Thanks!


IMGP7203 by ed crockett, on Flickr


IMGP7199 by ed crockett, on Flickr

 

[Edwindo]

Oh, and I haven't pulled a plug yet to look at them. Probably do that some time soon.

 

[toms89]

Check fuel pressure. If low I would replace pump now. It would not hurt to change plugs. Unless you know a cop is bad I would re-use myself.

 

[GAINMOB]

thats how mine was and slowly got worse...changed pump and good to go...

 

[rburch]

IMO your better off replacing the fuel pump now instead of the inconvenience of being stranded when it finally quits.

 

[Edwindo]

Thanks for the answers so far. Looking back at what I wrote and realized that obviously if it quits I'll change it Long day, not thinking too clearly. Probably more curious how long I could nurse it along or if it's hard on the system to put it off for a little bit. Kinda hoping to get taxes done, get the refund, and then get some stuff done.

 

[ZombieSoldier]

Edwindo, where in Colorado are you located? anyways I would recommend changing the plugs, and COP's

 

[Edwindo]

@ZombieSoldier, I just saw your location. I'm only about an hour from you. Live out south of Rush, out off of Highway 94. Small world!

You live on Post there? Know a few folks at Carson, but I'm not in the military myself. Props to you guys, tho, always appreciate your service. I mean it.

 

[ZombieSoldier]

Thanks bud, yeah on post.

 

[Edwindo]

So I think I'll probably start with the fuel pump, and then maybe do plugs and coils. Any recommendations on the COPs? Amazon sells a full set of Accel packs for $170. Are they any good?

 

[ZombieSoldier]

I wish mine was that cheap. Mine is $300 for the accels. I am doing the $100 eBay special for all of mine. All 8 are $100

 

[Edwindo]

Ya know, I really like the Expedition, and I knew that buying a used vehicle means the possibility of some maintenance catch-up. *sigh* I guess the good thing is, if I get all this done, it's probably good to go for a long time yet.

I'm spoiled, my 04 Chevy Express van just keeps running. Just about the most trouble-free vehicle I've ever owned. But man, I sure like driving the Expy better!

 

[GAINMOB]

Thanks for the answers so far. Looking back at what I wrote and realized that obviously if it quits I'll change it Long day, not thinking too clearly. Probably more curious how long I could nurse it along or if it's hard on the system to put it off for a little bit. Kinda hoping to get taxes done, get the refund, and then get some stuff done.

you can wait..just have to really pay attention to how it starts and when youre looking at doing it...mine wasnt as bad as yours...4-5 second to start..better do it now...and just put the $$$$ back when you get refund...youre prob already pushing it

 

[KC Dave]

Replacing the fuel pump may solve your rough idle also.. If pressure is low, the injectors will not shoot as fine a mist and can cause rough idle. Been there done that, and that was my issue on our Escort at the time. Fuel economy and throttle response improved after pump replacement too.

(The Escort had an access port under the rear seat, so it was literally a 45 minute job) Wish they would consider this for all vehicles!!!

 

[ZuluBravoTango]

Nice to see CO well represented! I'm up north in Castle Rock, but used to be stationed at Ft. Carson. I'm born and raised in CO, the Glenwood Springs area, so small world indeed. I don't see too many built Expys around here.

 

[Edwindo]

An access port, huh? Man, that would be nice. Even on a pickup, at least you have the option to just unbolt the bed and go that route. Oh well...

I'm borrowing a pressure gauge from a friend tomorrow, going to check pressures on the rails and see what it looks like. Hopefully a new pump will take care of the idle, that would be nice.

And as far as a built Expy goes, I wish I had the time and $ to do that. Maybe down the road.