96 302 feels a little sluggish. sucking up my $3.95 a gallon

[cheese5.0]

for about the past week or week and a half my truck( 96 f150 4x4 302 auto) has been feeling a little down on the power. feels like i have a load in the bed or i've got the ac blasted on a hot day. also the throttle response is down quite a bit and its drinking my expensive gas . i've done all the basic tune up things like plugs, wires, distributor cap, intake, fuel filter, fuel pump, and all fluids. also just changed the oil 2 days ago. i cant afford to be running around drivin it tryin to figure whats wrong with it. if any one has a hunch feel free to throw it my way, anything is appriciated. thanks

[DJdemon6696]

what is the mpg that she is getting the 302 isnt a torque monster.. remember that and what gearing do you have?

[cheese5.0]

it probably gets around 10 maybe a little less around town. its the 3.55 ls diff. i've had the truck for a couple years and i know she can do better. if anything i just want my throttle response back haha. i figured its probably a bad sensor or something along those lines i just wanted to ask someone with a little more experience so i dont waste any money on the wrong part

[bluesman2333]

You can do a few basic things like tests and poking around. Look for vacuum leaks by using an unlit propane torch, clean the MAF, check TPS voltage and adjust if necessary, clean the IAC, replace the O2 sensors, do a compression test, check fuel pressure and pull vac line on the regulator to see if fuel is in it (replace it if it is), pull the injectors and have them ultrasonically cleaned, clean the upper intake, check the cats for being plugged, check the thermostat, check the computer for codes, check tire pressure, the list goes on. These are just a few things off the top of my head that commonly pop up that affect fuel mileage.

[cheese5.0]

thanks i appriciate it. i'll make sure i try most of those. also since you mentioned it, i thought instead of cleaning the cats out i would just gut them for a little better sound and flow once i get my mileage prob fixed. any adivice on this?

[Conanski]

Pull the codes... this is always the first step. Ford Fuel Injection has a simple DIY method for this, no special tools required.

[bluesman2333]

You don't actually clean cats, if they are plugged you just replace them. Replacement high flow cats do the same thing as rodded out cats plus you get the benefit of being legal still.

[quicklook2]

i think he meant 'gutting' the cats when he said cleaning.

read codes.

what brand and kind of plugs?

[alz]

He has a 96, so it's more than likely OBDII. There are only codes if the CEL is on, right?

How's the clutch fan?

[quicklook2]

codes can happen without the cel on.

clutch fan is a possible problem, they usually howl.

[cheese5.0]

actually that could be it. to answer quicklook i did mean gutting haha and they're accel brand plugs i got in a tune up kit with wires and a distributor cap. i know i have the obd2 but i could just take it in and have the codes read at advanced i've done it before. will that bring me the same results? and the belt squeeks like crazy after it rains or when theres moisture, is that my fan clutch?

[alz]

Best to use just the motorcraft brand tune up parts.

As for codes, AutoZone or the like won't read unless the CEL is on.

[quicklook2]

try motorcraft copper resistor plugs. (or autolite, before someone else says they are the same, i will.)

disconnect the serp belt and go for a quick drive and see if you have better performance.

you will not have power steering so be careful.

buy a code reader or count the blinking light.

[cheese5.0]

thanks a lot guys. i'll try those ideas next chance i get

[cheese5.0]

hate to bring this thread back. i'm pretty sure its not my fan clutch but i could be wrong. my fan seems to be working correctly and moves freely when the engine is cold. since i posted last there is a slight whining noise comming from the engine bay. it increases with rmps but doesnt decrease as fast. it sounds like a have a supercharger under the hood, except i have less power. i've read some previous threads and while searching for belt problems i cam across some people getting weird noises like this when their air pump? goes bad. could mine be going bad along with my belt/pulleys/fan clutch?