cold engine idle problem

I bought my 98 Explorer Sport a few weeks ago, and soon noticed the engine idled rough and the RPMs surged up and down for the first few minutes when cold. Then it ran fine when warmed up. After reading some of these messages about this problem, I had the IAC valve changed, also the air and fuel filters, and ran some injector cleaner through the system. Spent about $150 and none of this helped the problem at all.
Then I talked to the Ford service department and found there was a "program" for the SOHC engine, starting with the '98, because many engines developed leaking manifold gaskets, which caused the surging problem until the engine warmed up. I was told Ford would replace the gasket free if the car had less than 72,000 miles and was less than 6 years old. Mine has 73,000 miles and is 6 1/2 years old. That's the kind of luck I seem to have. Anyway, I had the dealer do an engine diagnosis and replace the gasket, cost me $360 odd plus tax, but it does run fine now. Something to think about if you're having this problem, which seems to be quite common.

I'm having a similiar problem with my 99 sport. When I use my Viper car starter it'll start and then "die out" and stall. When the starter starts it up again it revs up and down for a few minutes. When it is really cold it'll start and stall as many as 4-5 times. (Tuesday when it was below 0 the starter gave up and I had to manually start it when I got outside.)

When I asked my Ford Dealer about it they said it was the drive belt, the thermostat and the intakes. I had my brother a certified mechanic) replace the belt and the thermostat and I'm still having the problem. He can't see why the intakes would be causing the problems unless they were leaking a lot and he didn't see any leaks.

Could you give me any more info on the "program," what the SOHC stands for and if there 72,000 6 year free replacement is a warranty thing or just your dealer, I'd be able to have my brother check it out a little more. Thanks

I believe the 98 Explorer was made with 2 different engines, the SOHC (single overhead cam) and also an overhead valve engine, which was completely different. The decal under the hood on top of the radiator will tell what engine your car has. The program to replace the manifold gaskets which were a common problem for a number of years (98, 99, 00, 01, not sure how many more) came from the manufacturer and was done through the dealers. Ask the service representative at your local Ford dealer about it. When air leaks in through the manifold gasket the computer can't decide how much fuel to feed in, and it searchs up and down trying to get the correct mixture.

My dad called the dealership back near them where I bought it and they'll take a look at the stuff under the recall/extended warranty as they call it and replace what needs to be replaced under warranty on Wednesday.

I'm still pissed at the local Ford about giving me all the BS about what needed to be done- all the while knowing that the hard start/idle problem and the running lean code were caused my this. I emailed them to ask them about it cause I wouldn't get anywhere calling cause I'd end up swearing too much- and they reply about me buying a new car! WTH!!!