Ford Repair: Ford Explorer Stalling, sohc engine, air control valve

Question
I have a "99 explorer XLT (6cyl sohc) that stalls when I start it up in the morning. I Have to keep my foot on the gas so It doesn't stall. After it warms up a bit it is good to go, but it still has a rough idle.I know the serpentine belt has cracks and needs to be changed. I changed the Idle air control valve last week, and that didn't seem to cure my problem. Any tips to head in the right direction would be great.

Thanks Cory


Answer
You may have leaking upper intake gaskets. Ford issued a campaign for this and the left cam chain tensioner, 00M12, in 2000. If you also hear a rattling noise when starting the engine cold it's a good bet that this campaign will fix the problem. The check engine light may or may not have come on, as well as possible lean codes.

There are other possibilities, but with the SOHC engine this is the first thing I would look for. The gaskets are a silicone base, and after time will distort and cause a vacuum leak. As the engine heats up the parts expand and partially mask the leak.