92 explorer starts then dies

Hi everyone,
I'm new here, and I was wondering if anyone has had this problem before.
It's a 92 Explorer, 4 door, V6 (4.0) auto trans, A/C, etc...etc..
When I turn the key, it starts OK, and runs for a couple of seconds, then dies.
I starts every time, but won't stay running.
Could it be a clogged fuel filter?
Or maybe a bad fuel pump?
Or something with the computer?
The day before this happened, we had returned from a 3 hour trip with the A/C running, and had no problems or indications that something was wrong. I guess we were lucky we made it home!
Any ideas out there?
Thanks,
Joe

Dude, i own a 92 ford exPLODER!!! and your engine cuts off because one of the vacuum hoses on the little silver block next to your engine is disconnected. without the tube there there is no vacuum for the engine and no airflow...it cuts off....just find the disconnected hose and put that sucker back on....the vacuum should keep it on while the car is running...otherwise just get a tiedown to keep the hose on next time. !!!

Yeah, I put some gasket sealer on the ports and stuck the hoses back on because they seemed very lose. That seemed to hold them on better. I still had one port with no hose (I couldn't find one at least) so I just capped it off. It was the one way in the back of the vacuum tree. Oh yeah, I also nicknamed mine EXPLODER! For no particular reason though. We bought this '92 brandy new and haven't had any major problems at all. We definately got our money's worth.
Later Dude!
Joe

I too have 92 and had same experience. If you look at the insides of the cap and other connectors you will probably see that it's oily, mines were. I changed my PCV and replaced the vaccum cap with a new one and haven't had problem since. My problem started when the car backfired whiling starting. Check your air filter also, low airflow and with fuel injection you may have a "rich mixture" that causes a backfire and that will pop off the rubber cap. I also changed my air filter (dirty). No problems since. Happy motoring!

XLT03:
I recently tried starting my X in the morning and it "explodes" with white smoke coming from under the hood and Vacuum hoses blown off the vacuum tree on the side of intake. This sounds like your "rich mixture"? How to correct this. It is hard starting (3 tries) but once I replace whatever hose blew off, it starts fine!
Thanks

johnee:

Didn't do a fix on "rich mixture", problem never surfaced again. Regarding your hard starting, when was the last time you changed the plugs? Make sure you got the right gap.

I changed the plugs/wires 2yrs. ago(Bosch), and this problem just started to happen. The vacuum lines and caps have oil in them just as you described. On the first start attempt I'll hear a "pop" under the hood, and it may or may not puke a vacuum hose. I did use ty-wraps on some of the hose fittings which helped. The weird thing is that after it starts, it runs fine, and subsequent starts will be successful with 1 turn of the ignition....just after it sits is when the "underhood backfire/explosion" occurs. Today I will pull and inspect all the plugs, fittings, filter. Oh and I did replace the PVC! Thanks for the HELP, it is greatly appreciated.

[QUOTE=XLT03]I too have 92 and had same experience. If you look at the insides of the cap and other connectors you will probably see that it's oily, mines were.]


I'm bringing up this old post because this is a common problem with older Explorers/Rangers 4.0 V-6. Maybe this will help.

The transmission vacuum modulator is connected to the vacuum tree on the side of the intake. The modulator has a diaphram that can leak as it ages. Vacuum pulls transmission fluid up thru the diaphram to the vacuum tree causing all hoses to loosen. Your vehicle can do all sorts of things with lost vacuum, mainly rough idling and stalling. Do not forget the power brake booster has a diaphram that can crack and leak air.

Changing a tranny modulator on a 4.0 V-6 is a $90-$100 job at a privately owned tranny shop. Stay away from the national chain shops.