Strange Falcon Problems

[Gab]

Ok, well my EFI XF Falcon isnt running quite right. I know it's quite normal for this model to have issues with how they run, but I want to sort it out, as I know the EFI XF Falcon's can run well. What it's doing is running a bit rough at idle, and there is a point at around 1500 rpm when you rev it that it bogs down, and it's also not as responsive as it could be when it's in park and you give it a rev, and it seems to be lacking some power. I've already done quite alot to attempt to find the problem, I've given it new spark plugs (NGK-R), leads (Bosch), air filter, fuel filter, oil (Valvoline XLD) & filter change, put a bottle of strong injector cleaner through it, set the ignition timing, checked the PCV Valve, Checked the EGR valve, cleaned the idle speed controller, cleaned the throttle body, checked for obvious vacumn leaks, tried the airflow meter off my other car, and reset the computer. I am starting to run out of ideas. I have the Factory manual for the XF wich isnt helping me much. Any further ideas would be appreciated.

[Captiva Fan]

I notice in Silicon Chip that Mr Edgar printed something about an updated kit for reading air/fuel mixture. I didn't go into it though, so I don't know what sort of sensor it uses; but something like that might be helpful.

When you say it's running a bit rough at idle, that sounds like what 240's do when either air hoses or pollution-gear are loose or gummed-up. And let's face it, XF's & 240's come from the same design school. Are all your PCV hoses fine? Maybe try getting some of those heavy-duty plastic clamps that mechanics use for clamping-off air-hoses, and using them selectively on vacuum hoses in various places to see if there's any effect? Hmm, now I think about it, it does also sound like a faulty oxygen sensor ... is that possible?

[Gab]

Forg, I dont belive there is much adjustment for the air/fuel mix, the PCV system appears to be all working correctly but I will recheck it, and the XF's dont run an oxygen sensor. So any other ideas?

[Paddington]

may sound a bit strange...work colleague had nearly the same problem for years in his VC commodore, turned out it was a few loose bolts on his inlet manifold and it was sucking in air

[proengines]

Have a check of the seals on the oil cap and the dipstick, it sounds stupid, but leaks there can cause problems with your idle. It looks like you've already checked it but give the EGR valve but give it a few flicks with a screwdriver to make sure it's all seating ok.

[mizone]

Had a plum XF ( grandpa since new with full Ford receipts since new.. why I get rid of it ?) and it got the same prob. For me it looked to be a fuel delivery problem.

I took off the air cleaner and saw the poor carby all gummed up. Lots of carby cleaner (not that $2 export crap buy a decent one) and a plume of white smoke later she ran a treat.

[galantacious]

may sound a bit strange...work colleague had nearly the same problem for years in his VC commodore, turned out it was a few loose bolts on his inlet manifold and it was sucking in air

Gab, the above figures as youre having issues with the bolt on ur flange coming loose, i recommend you change the gasket or change the bolt to stop it from coming loose and possibly causing the engine to not respond normally.