Hello all,

Tonight I was digging around under the hood trying to replace the TPS in an attempt to cure a high idle situation. Couldn't get the darned screws off but I did hear a loud buzzing noise on the passenger side of the compartment. Located the source as the PVC valve. It was buzzing like crazy and was half out of the hole. Removed the PVC valve with the engine running and the idle settled right down.

I replaced the PVC valve about 3-4 months ago and noticed that the letter stamped on the bottom was different from the original. However, I figured the guys at NAPA knew better.

Here's my question - What letter should be stamped on the bottom of the PVC valve on a 97 4.6l 5 speed? Also, do you think the buzzing is abnormal and warrants replacement? Do you think this will improve my gas mileage?

thanks

ihilani

 

Go to the Ford dealer and get a replacement hose with valve assembly.

Aftermarket PCV valves have been known to cause wierd problems. Besides, the elbow is probably either soft/collapsing or has an hole in it.

Steve

 

Good advice. Especially since they are only like $5 at the dealer...

 

yeh TPS sensors have locktight on the threads.. i drilled mine out and put new screws in it.

 

Is there any other tool or solvent that can be used to remove the screws fastening the TPS? Does anyone know how the ford garage mechanics do it?

thanks

ihilani

 

I have a small pair of vise grips that I use to get the screws started. Then once they are out a few turns, you can then remove them with a philips.

I then replace them with stainless allen head screws.

 

I changed out the PCV valve a learned something very interesting.

First off, I know my 4.6 is the Windsor engine and have been supplying this info to the parts counterperson whenever I purchase PCV or other parts. What I found intersting is the engine info on the parts-house computer system generally shows two engine choices for the 4.6l, either a "W" or "(6)".

I found learned that the parts counterperson often assumes the W stands for Windsor. Actually the (6) represents the Windsor motor and the "W" represents the Romeo engine.

I learned this after experiencing the same buzzing with the replacement PCV valve and checking a little deeper.

hope this helps someone in the future.

 

ihilani - are you saying you got a different PCV when the person thought your engine was a "W" instead of a 6?

 

Yes.

The first time I changed my PCV valve at about 50k, NAPA gave me a replacement that had a plastic fitting with two extensions, one for the hose back to the throttle body. THe other extension was smaller and came with a plug.

At 75k miles, I replaced with Schucks PCV. same thing and again at about 90K with an Autozone PCV. In all cases they gave me a PCV valve that was designed for two hoses.

Last night, I went back and asked for the PCV valve that went with the 4.6(6) engine choice. Low and behold, it was designed for only one hose. Engine seems to run better, high idle is gone, and no more buzzing.

I'm waiting to see what this does for my 11 mpg in the city.

I wonder what other parts I've gotten that are actually for the Romeo engine. Oh well, live and learn.

aloha,

ihilani

 

PROJECT COMPLETED

Just wanted to let everyone know, I was able to remove the IAC sensor screws with a regular size vicegrip (8 inch I think) and replaced with hex head screws with a touch of red loc-tight. Couldn't find any metric size allen head screws.

Disconnected the battery to reset the computer and gave the MAF sensor a shot of electrical contact cleaner.

I let the engine idle for about 10 minutes and it runs like a top again. No more high idle or buzzing.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.