intermittent CEL for running rich-'97 Crown Vic

I'm posting for a friend. Hope someone can give us a suggestion.

The car is a '97 Crown Victoria with 80K or so, V8 engine, auto tranny. He is getting the engine light to come on. He's had the code read and it says it's running rich. I don't have the exact code. He can disconnect the battery and lose the light for a month or two. It will run somewhat poorly just before the light appears, then runs better, oddly enough, when the light does come on.

I have no more info than that. Any ideas? Thanks for any help!

One bump for giggles...

If the codes are P0172 and P0175, have the fuel pressure checked. It should be around 42-46 psi with key on engine not running, around 32-36 psi engine running. If it is higher than that, replace the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll pass it on and if it does get fixed properly, I'll post the result!

I'm posting for a friend. Hope someone can give us a suggestion.

The car is a '97 Crown Victoria with 80K or so, V8 engine, auto tranny. He is getting the engine light to come on. He's had the code read and it says it's running rich. I don't have the exact code. He can disconnect the battery and lose the light for a month or two. It will run somewhat poorly just before the light appears, then runs better, oddly enough, when the light does come on.

I have no more info than that. Any ideas? Thanks for any help!


This is common problem.

http://v8sho.com/SHO/TSB982310MassAirFlowContamination.htm

This is the post I've waited for. Thanks!! I can and have cleaned the MAF in my VW Jetta by placing it in a baggie of denatured alcohol, shaking gently, and allowing to air dry. Can this be done with the Ford MAF? I'm going to check online pricing for a new one...

Bump.

Can I clean the MAF? Where is it exactly on this engine?

Yes, you can clean the MAF I forget the name of the stuff but if you go to an autoparts store they will have the stuff to clean it, pretty much all it is a can of air. and the MAF is located right after the air filter on the air intake tube.

Beauty. Thanks!

I cleaned it by pouring denatured alcohol over it. There was clearly some gunk on it. It looked like metal filings on a magnet, but it was a small amount of grime. No CEL and the car has run well since! Thanks for all replies!