cold start "explosions" under hood

LINCOLN TOWN CAR
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NANOBUG12
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I live in Minnesota my car has very high mileage is a 93 towncar about 220000 my problem is that sometimes I dont have time to warm it up so I have to drive it cold, it seems that before warms up, you can hear "little esplossions" under the hood before it warms up, once its warm it doesnt't do it no more.
What is wrong with it and how can I fix it? (assuming that i dont have time sometimes to warm it up since I am a very busy guy, I certaintly don't like going on the street with anyone close giving them their scare of their life. Everything else in my opinion and for the miles it has is in very good condition.
Jan 10, 2007 at 10:03 PM
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RAINHOPPERROO
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without a bit more info I can only assume that the little explosions your talking about are actually sounds of the intake backfireing. typically that is a sign of a sticky valve or timing way off (timing chain is streatched or the belt tensioner has reached its end)

it could also be a leaky exhaust manifold gasket. since you have the 4.6 liter engine most people also think that they never have to replace the plugs so you may either have incorrect temp plugs or plugs that are just worn into oblivion.

I'm leaning toward sticky valves concidering the mileage and the sounds.

what happens if you hold your hand over the exhaust tip at the back of your car, does it feel smooth at idle or do you feel a bit of pop to it?

theres really alot it copuld be and without narrowing it down a bit its gunna be really tough to narrow it down.

may I ask what diagnostic steps you've taken so far?
Jan 16, 2007 at 4:10 PM