looked at a 97 f 250 hd thats for sale 5.8l. auto anyway the truck is in really nice shape about 135k miles on it but for some reason it doesnt have enough power like a 5.8 l should.I mean it goes and everything but when I step on the gas hard it doesnt take off like it should.you think this sounds like it just needs a tune up?the owner said he hasnt tuned it up in a while.any info will help thanks.

 

Are you smashing the gas from a stop or a roll? If your rolling then it could be your tranny kickdown not engaging. If it doesnt have any ***** at all then it could be a number of things. Ignition plugs/wires....Fuel pressure could be off...02 sensor could be bad. MAF or IAC could be dirty. Lots of things can cause this. kinda tough to just take a shot in the dark as to why.

 

Could be lots of things. One thing that is likely overlooked, especially if "It hasn't been tuned in awhile" is the fuel filter. The filter slowly clogs over time and the owner really doesn't notice the loss of power since it is so gradual. But a new owner may notice right away.

Might need a tuneup, air filters, etc. Also could be you are used to different trucks? The gearing on this truck could make it feel like a dog too.

Check the tranny fluid to see if it is burnt, this might cause slippage etc.

Even if a tune up and filters is not the problem, if it hasn't been done for awhile, it is probably worth doing and then see how it runs.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

what size tires where on the rig? everything else folks mentioned above could be culprit as well.

 

how much grunt do you expect it to have? theyre pretty restricted and beat in stock trim.

 

My '97 5.8L truck was exactly the same way when I got it. It would go "OK" but always felt like something was holding it back & it would never really "turn on". It could barely do a "powerbrake" and wouldn't turn the tires over punching it from a dead stop.......

-Seafoam treatment
-Techron injector cleaner
-K&N air filter (or other brand)
-New plugs, wires, cap & rotor
-New fuel filter (major improvement)
-clean the throttlebodies and tweek the linkage so they open all the way (big improvement)
-bump the timing to 12* - 14* BTDC

I can't even describe the improvement. Punching it from a dead stop will instantly smoke the right rear tire until you let up on the gas. It will set you back in the seat and pulls strong all the way to 5000 rpm. Plus, my mileage went from 14ish to mid/high 18's. 3 years ago you couldn't have given me a 351W, now I have a new-found respect. I'm not saying its going to outrun any V8 muscle cars or even the newer 300+ HP gas or even diesel trucks, but it can hold it's own for a 14yr old, completely stock, smallblock 3/4T pickup. If the engine has good compression and has had the oil changed regularly, I wouldn't give it a second thought. It can run with the newer trucks with a little TLC and basic tune-up parts.
FYI: Chances are it has a 3.55 rear with 235/85R-16 tires.

 

It has the stock tires and I know it should have more power I have owned 4 of these trucks before 94,95,96 350 4x4 with 5.8s and a 96 f 250 with a 5.8 so I can tell somethings holding it back.I think your right about it needing a the tune up,tuned up they have alot of power.just wanted to see what others thought it could be before I buy it.anyway thanks for the help guys!

 

the cat converts could be plugged up good also. truck probably needs exhaust work anyway from sitting so long.

 

i have a '96 with the same problem it seams. i did cap rotor and wires. i want to do fuel filter aswell but im not really sure where it is can anyone help me on the location.

 

Should be on the inside of the frame rail on the driver's side, just behind the cab.