It appears that I need new control solenoids for one or both banks of my Mk VIII 1996 engine. According to my mechanic, Ford USA has none in the country. Wow ... is this possible and if so, is there another source of these items that someone could point me toward? As always, I will appreciate any tips, thanks, dbcopper
secondary throttle control solenoid
- Thread starter dbcopper
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As I said in my first post, Ford (that's all dealers, suppliers and the factory) claim there are none in the country. Imagining that I would come to this forum before checking the dealers is mildly insulting, don't you think. I am here because all logical and common sources have no answer for me. I hoped that someone else may have had the same problem and found an alternative source.
dbcopper, it is very much true the IMRC controls for the 1996 model are now obsolete. The 1996 model year is very unique as it was a crossover year for the Mark VIII as it still is considered a 1st generation but was ushered into the world of OBD-II. This means a few items are 1996 specific as you have discovered.
My first suggestion would be to question the diagnosis. There very well could be a cause to your problem that may be able to be repaired without replacing parts or perhaps not replacing the rare IMRCs. Did you get a specific code? What are the drivability symptoms? What is the mileage and history of the vehicle? Have you considered an induction cleaner such as SeaFoam?
Have you talked to Max at FiveStarFord.com? I have personally known him to locate parts for our cars when no one else could. It's a long shot but what do you have to lose?
My first suggestion would be to question the diagnosis. There very well could be a cause to your problem that may be able to be repaired without replacing parts or perhaps not replacing the rare IMRCs. Did you get a specific code? What are the drivability symptoms? What is the mileage and history of the vehicle? Have you considered an induction cleaner such as SeaFoam?
Have you talked to Max at FiveStarFord.com? I have personally known him to locate parts for our cars when no one else could. It's a long shot but what do you have to lose?
Thank you driller ... all good thoughts and I have already considered some and will pursue all your suggestions ... my mechanic is reticent to remove the pieces unless he sees where we are going ... I, on the other hand, think we need to disassemble and learn what lurks beneath ... the other gentleman who thinks I didn't even try the dealers before coming to the forum should know from your posting that indeed, the parts are not commonly available and to the so called "newbie", the point is to help in unusual situations not begin by assuming that one has not even turned on the garage lights yet. I appreciate your thorough answer and I expect there will be a solution sooner than later. To Mr. budpytko, give a guy a break, the dealership mess is at least one reason as to why this forum exists. I think it may be fair to presume that a guy might try his Ford Dealer before winging it on the LOD forum. cheers, dbcopper
LOL, I know. It irks me most mechanics are too eager to throw parts at a vehicle without proper diagnosis or attempts at simple repairs. On the other hand, my garage motto is 'if it's broke already, I can't break it further' - and I will not hesitate to venture into the unknown.
Don't be too hard on Bud, for an old navy guy, he's quite helpful and patient - but it is difficult to see intentions clearly through the internet at times.
Roadboss
On Work Release
DBCOOPER- You may be having sticking IMRC's. If so then we have found that a good dose of Seafoam ingested thru the PVC valve and allowed to penetrate followed by a good throttle mashing on the highway, provides a fix of the problem, which is caused by carbon buildup on the throttle plate bores. You can get it at most of the big parts stores, and there are directions on the back. Be prepaired to have the car smoke alot when clearing it out on the highway.