Mustang @ 50k

I have over 50k miles now.  During the previous oil change the tech left the airfilter cover open with the clamps not in place...   The result is a growling noise at speeds between 20 and 35...it goes away after 40+   and also I noticed a drop in mileage. 

I went back and got this fixed...  had to ride with the manager to prove the noise :)   Good thing is that I got it corrected!

One other clue is that ..my 96 Explorer has something similar... between 30 - 50mph...  Let me go back and check the airfilter housing once again.  I'll be excited if that takes care of the noise.. 

I can go canoeing again !! :)

New Interstate Battery on the Explorer

Group 65 850CCA from Costro...  $90+$15 now.    changed the terminals also.. got some nice ones at Walmart -

Everstart 903-1W Automotive 6-12-Volt Battery Top Post

4.0 stars

1 review ratings

Q&A

By: EverStart

Walmart #: 001050126

Explorer TPS sensor, MAF sensor, Seafoam

Ended up removing the TPS sensor thinking that it was the MAF sensor after lookign at a youtube video of a 96 Ranger :)

The screws kind of broke but I was able to get them out with some WD40.   It was about $42 so went ahead and replaced it after reading that it helps idling.

I have idle problems on the car and also OBD codes 0171 and 0174 started to show up.

Went ahead and replaced the TPS sensor and the screws were hard to find...  got the Metric Machine Screws (M5 I think) from Lowes for about $1.15.   Replaced the TPS with new screws.

It was a little hard to take off the MAF sensor as it was inside the intake air tubing...   plus it has a security Torx screw!!     Did not want to destroy the screw to remove  it so went to Lowes to get one.. SKU 338552 was on clearance for under $10!!!!   and it fits the bill.  It had 6 of the security bits and other bits including a ratcheting wrench (24 pieces).

Seafoam was on sale at NAPA auto for $8, so finally ended up replacing the TPS sensor, cleaned the MAF and added Seafoam...    pumped a full tank of 76 Gas and the test drive was satisfying!   Car idles much better and and lets see how it helps the milage... the power seems to be decent and gets from 40 to 70mph in a breeze.

Tough screw?
http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/16263/how-can-i-remove-a-really-stuck-screw
- Liquid Wrench,  WD40,  tap on the screw or the housing... etc...

Researching Fuel Injector Cleaners

Carburetor & Choke Cleaner, 16 oz; Sea Foam 
and
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Cleaner, 11 oz; Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner

at Napa Auto.    These two seem to help.

New Spark Plugs - Explorer

Found a nice mechanic in Livermore with great reviews - http://www.yelp.com/biz/alan-and-sons-livermore

$140 - labor -  I got Motorcraft parts from Advance Auto.