I have a 2000 OHV 4.0 that is in need of a new idle air control valve. I went to advance today to see about getting a new one. They couldn't find a part number in their computer of book. THe only thing close was one for a 97 4.0 We tried pulling the numbers off my stock one with no luck. I am asking a couple questions.
1) Would the part off of the 97 4.0 be compatable?
2) Does anyone have the advance or Ford or similar part number?
3) Can I clean this valve or is it something I should spend the 40 bucks to replace?
Thanks for the all the help.

-Luke

 

it cant hurt to try to clean it first. simply remove it and use brake cleaner.

 

Thats where my next question lies. My haynes manual says to not use solvents to clean the IAC solenoid.

 

hmm. ive always used brake cleaner on it, but if haynes says not to, maybe you shouldnt. i wont make the call on this one!!

 

I'll see if I have a part number on the box for my new one, its a long shot but may get ya closer... or heck do you have autozone's there? I'll get back to ya in a few..

 

The new part, which is the same for 98-2000 model 4.0's is a "Well's AC473" Cant tell ya if they dont carry Well's brand, but Autozone does so you can cruise down there for it or more info.

 

Works for me. Thanks a lot. I will head down tomorrow after class and get one.

 

that hilarious that you took a pic of the box with the part number. some people have too much time

 

Funny as it might be itz also awesome that he would do that to help someone out.

 

Little from column A little from column B what can I say?

 

Well I finally got my part. They had to special order it. I noticed when I pulled the old one off tho that it had a spring inside and the new one didn't. Is this a defect or is it just a different design. Otherwise the structure of the part is identical. I installed it and it seems to run fine and idle properly. Could not having this spring lead to premature failure of the new part tho or am I just dumb and it doesn't need it.

Thanks again for the help,
Luke

 

It probably doesn't need it because it is made up for in some other way.

The IAC works more or less like a loudspeaker or a solenoid. Some kind of resistance (like a spring) holds the valve closed. Then a pulse-width modulated signal pulls it open. The signal is similar to what fires your injectors. The wider the pulse, the more the valve opens. Simple.

I wouldn't worry about it if it's working well. About the only thing that can go wrong on them is an open or shorted coil or mechanical "stickiness". They have an internal coating that is supposed to keep gunk from sticking to them so that they don't jam up. That's why they are not supposed to be cleaned with solvent.

 

Well the old one was badly gunked and this one is still runnning as it should be. Thanks again for all the help guys.