Vacuum leak/component location

2000 FORD EXPLORER
229,362 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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IGENIUS92
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Hello, I have the vehicle listed above (xls) 4.0 v6 ohv. I found a vacuum leak by running a smoke test but I have no idea what this part is or what it's for but it's causing a very rough idle! And I'm sending pics circled in white as what the part is and as you can see something is missing and I need to know what hose goes to it and what the piece is called and how to fix it please someone help??
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Jan 3, 2021 at 12:47 PM
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STEVE W.
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That is the idle air control valve. It is a simple bolt on part with a gasket between it and the intake tube. The piece that's missing is a small inlet filter. However if it was leaking smoke from that port the internal valve seal is bad and the valve needs to be replaced. It's a simple job, disconnect the electrical connector, then remove the two bolts and remove the valve, clean up the surface and install the new valve and gasket. The bolts get torqued to 7.4 ft lb.
reinstall the electrical connector and it should correct things. Be sure you get the same type of valve as they made three different types for that engine size.
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Jan 3, 2021 at 6:18 PM
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IGENIUS92
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How do I fix it?
Jan 3, 2021 at 7:48 PM
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STEVE W.
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Replace the IAC valve itself. It shouldn't show smoke at that port because of the internal seals. A way you could verify that the vacuum leak at that valve is the issue would be to plug that hole with a rubber plug, then see if it runs better. You won't want to drive it that way as the vent is needed but for testing it will be okay. Then just replace it as noted in my other post, remove the two bolts, clean off the surface and install the replacement. Be sure you get the correct replacement as there are three different styles and they do not interchange.
Jan 4, 2021 at 6:46 AM
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IGENIUS92
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Okay, cool. I will replace it and see what happens. thank you!
Jan 4, 2021 at 10:48 AM
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STEVE W.
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No problem, let us know what you find.
Jan 4, 2021 at 3:40 PM