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98 ford wind star 3.8L

131 Views 3 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Keith Hailey
I have a po174 code and a po171 code.
i tried everything, changing the head gasket done, o2 sensors, get valve.
please help what else can it be
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Welcome to the FFO!

Both of those codes are reporting a lean condition in bank one and bank two.
Meaning there is too much air or not enough fuel.
There are a couple of sensors working together to make those codes.
Mass Airflow Sensor
Oxygen sensors

Know that the incoming air into the engine is measured by the MAF. That measurement is processed by the PCM and the fule injectors are fired off by the PCM based on the data of the MAF. The check is the reading by the O2 sensors as to how lean or rich the exhaust gas may be. If air is getting into the engine and not being measured by the MAF, that is air that is not being accounted for when combustion occurs.

If it were me, I would put a vacuum gauge on intake manifold and post the vacuum reading.
I believe fuel pressure can be measured at the fuel rail. Pressure should be in the 30+ PSI range. Measure that as well and post.

Possible repairs maintanence first
Replace fuel filter if not replaced in the last 18 months. Inpect the fuel coming out of the old filter.
Replace the PCV if not replaced in the last 18 months
Clean the MAF sensor
Clean out the PCV or crankcase vent hose.

Other concerns -

Intake air leaks. There is a TSB on 1999 to 20033.8 engines in Windstar with intake plenum gasket failing. I assume this was replaced with head gasket replacement
Any air leak after the MAF to the intake manifold or cylinders.
Exhaust leak between the exhaust manifold and the cat converters
Low fuel pressure
Old or bad spark plugs
Bad fuel injectors

Action
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Check the hose going to PCV on the Valve cover
I have a po174 code and a po171 code.
i tried everything, changing the head gasket done, o2 sensors, get valve.
please help what else can it be
These two videos will get you in the right direction.
Ford Windstar P0171 P0174 Upper Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement - YouTube
Ford F150 4.2L & 3.8L Windstar Hard To Diagnose Misfires - YouTube

The first video has a link to the newer Isolator Bolts, which ARE, from experience with two different Windstars, the main culprit.
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