1997 2.3 rough idle, check engine light

[enron]

I have a 1997 ranger with a 2.3 engine. I took it to pismo beach over memorial day weekend, and after some thrashing around in the dunes, i started to have an intermittent rough idle.

The check engine light came on throwing out two codes. one being P1443 - evaporative emission purge valve malfunction, and the other one P0171 - bank 1 system too lean.

initially starting, there seems to be a 50/50 shot of it starting with either a smooth or rough idle. acceleration is smooth and idle is smooth for roughly one minute after stopping. At that point, the engine seems to almost stall, and idles rough enough to shake the whole vehicle.

any help pointing me in the right direction to solve these problems would be greatly appreciated, as I am not the most knowledgeable about engines and emissions systems.

 

[Mirage]

My truck threw the same P1443 code once and I found it was the evap solenoid causing the problem. This solenoid allows the vapors from the charcoal canister (under the battery), back into the intake manifold. I also found that the hoses connecting it were shot, and I broke one trying to remove it. It's a common part at the Ford dealer, but pricey. Think I paid like $140.00 for the whole kit, hoses, solenoid etc. Or you could pull one at the junk yard and take your chances. I know there is an article somewhere explaining how to test the system (maybe it was in my Haynes manual). I'd check the system out first and see if that's really the problem, but it sure sounds like it to me.

Good luck!