IMRC'S and Rockauto.com

[busboy4]

Hi all

I have a '96 with 3.8L. My forward IMRC developed a vacuum leak and needed to be replaced. I was glad to see that rockauto.com carried a Dorman brand actuator and I ordered one for $71 (much cheaper than even discounted OEM). I have it in the van now and it operates flawlessly under vacuum. However, I began tripping a 1538 (IMRC stuck open bank 2) on the "new" actuator.

Today I did some investigating. On my existing OEM actuator I first measured 12V across the red/black wires with the ignition in run. Then, with the actuator plugged in, ignition in run I measured 1V on the third "monitor" wire with the actuator fully extended (IMRC open) and just over 6V with the actuator fully retracted (normal position with engine running). By the way, I also plugged in my failed OEM unit and measured identical numbers.

On the Dorman unit I measured a constant 3.3V on the monitor circuit regardless of actuator position, thus the CEL for IMRC stuck open. Rockauto has offered a replacement and is covering the return shipping. I hope the new one has an operable/correct potentiometer. I questioned whether the part I had was correct for the vehicle and the rockauto guy made a call to Dorman while I waited. They said it was correct ( I asked because the box it came in listed something like "94-98 Ranger Pickup with 4.0L). Anyhow, if you are looking at ordering an aftermarket IMRC from rockauto, you might hold out a bit and I'll report back. I will "bench test" the new unit before I go to the trouble of installing it. If it too does not return the same voltage measurements as the OEM, I'll push rockauto to investigate and/or pull it from the catalog for our vans.

So far I have no qualms with rockauto. On all occasions they have been good to work with and responsive.

Let ya know.

[pd7174]

Busboy4,
I saw the part #47097 and 47098 at rockauto, don't know which one to order for my P1537 code. The one in front of the van is bad, anyway I will wait for your report after you get the replacement part.

[busboy4]

OK
I'll let you know what happens. I bought the 47097 for the forward position. I'll not say right or left as I don't think rockauto's right and left are the same as Ford's. I carried my laptop into the garage and compared the picture (click on more info on the part list). By the way, be aware that your 1537 code refers to the rear actuator (bank 1) yet you say your front one is bad. Double check before you buy.

Hope to post back soon.

[pd7174]

Well I get P1537 code .but the radiator side is the bad one and I can see your picture posted is the same as mine.I used the little tube connected to the IMRC's and suck on it and one the arm is moving ,the other is not (bad one).May be 98 is difference than 96 ? Any way I will wait for your report before order one. Does it easy to be removed and installed??

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by pd7174

Well I get P1537 code .but the radiator side is the bad one and I can see your picture posted is the same as mine.I used the little tube connected to the IMRC's and suck on it and one the arm is moving ,the other is not (bad one).May be 98 is difference than 96 ? Any way I will wait for your report before order one. Does it easy to be removed and installed??

HI
Not too easy to remove and install, only because of where it is located. When I installed the new one from rockauto I removed the alternator to give more room. Not bad overall, the hardest thing to install is the new plastic retainer clip - valve comes with one. Install it first into the lever arm on the intake manifold, and then push the actuator arm into it. It is just hard to get at. Last night I was able to remove the valve for return to rockauto without taking out the alternator. It was a weird combination of sockets and extenders to get to the bolts but it worked and saved a bit of work.

As to your 1537 code - I can attach either IMRC electrical connector to either valve. Perhaps at some point yours were reversed from OEM. They would still work, just triggering the opposite code if faulty.

[pd7174]

Busboy4,
Are you get the replacement IMRC from rockauto?? Does it working OK for you?

[busboy4]

Originally Posted by pd7174

Busboy4,
Are you get the replacement IMRC from rockauto?? Does it working OK for you?

Well, after another poster indicated he had exactly the same problem, I tried to change from a return/re-ship to a return/refund with rockauto. I am not sure how it went, and am away from home for a week or so, so I don't know yet if they re-shipped a different one. I would say at this time that I do not have confidence that the Dorman IMRC's are compatible with the PCM on the '96 and '98 (the other poster had a '98 - see post regarding IMRC's opening before 3000 RPM). They work fine in the vacuum sense, but do not send proper indications to the PCM regarding position. If you have to have one, I recommend y2kford.com.

Good luck, I'll post when I know more.

[busboy4]

Hi All

well, Rockauto applied a refund to my card for the Dorman IMRC. So, as far as dealing with them I am completely satisfied. They have been top notch and I continue to recommend them, but I do not recommend the Dorman IMRC's unfortunately. Better go OEM on these.

[WINDED]

Well I have returned my IMRC valve to ROCKAUTO and will be getting a replacement. I had them check with DORMAN and they contend it is the right part. I will give it another chance in hopes that the next one works. They are paying for shipping both ways. In the mean time I have the front IMRC zip tied in the closed position and have had no problem. Will let you know how the next part works out. I figure it is worth a try since the next option is to pay more than twice the $71 for the OEM.

[Freakzilla69]

I'm thinking of buying the Dorman IMRCs please keep us updated, I hope you just happened ot get a bad one.

[WINDED]

Got a message from RockAuto today that the Dorman part is out of stock and Dorman wont give them a date for future availability. So, they are going to give me a refund. They said they had an alternative part for a significant increase in price that would have to be special ordered. I will inquire about it and see how it compares to y2kford.com as mentioned in this thread.

[busboy4]

Hi
thanks for keeping us up to date. I think Rockauto sells the OEM part as well on special order, for the OEM retail price. I doubt you can beat y2k's price. For what it is worth, I have been running with the IMRC held closed like you, and the old valve sitting in there connected, with the actuator held retracted, which keeps the CEL off. Of course I have the vacuum line to the front actuator sealed as well. I'm not sure when I'll order up a new one. I guess when I have $150 I don't know what to do with

Best wishes

[WINDED]

Rockauto had the OEM for $230. I found the OEM at DIRECTFORDPARTS.COM for $152. Like Busboy4 mine is still tied back in the closed position and have had no CEL or performance issues. Rockauto has been great to deal with and will go back again when needed.