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This is my first post on the forum, and I have a newb question for the mechanics out there:
I want to perform a vacuum test on my 2003 5.4L v8 e250. It has 170,xxx miles on it. I have looked up the test and know how to read the gauge, but I don't know where to attach it. As I am not a mechanic, please be as simplistic, and thorough in your description as possible. Simply saying "intake manifold" will not suffice, since I don't know what that looks like. If you can attach photos, or link a video, it would be most appreciated, but at this stage, any help at all would be fantastic.
The reason for the test is that the van has a severe lack of power under load. On hills I struggle to reach 30mph, and on the flat, I can only reach about 55mph. In town, on flat ground, the difference is not very noticeable, so long as I don't try to "gun it." The transmission shifts OK, and the engine revs, but the power just isn't there. In fact, when I put the pedal to the floorboard, I generally decelerate. All of these symptoms came about fairly suddenly. I am not getting a check engine light. I have changed the fuel and air filters, and put in a bottle of injector cleaner, but have seen no improvement. (I wasn't really expecting those to be the problem, but I wanted to try the cheap, easy options first)
I now suspect the catalytic converter(s) is clogged or broken. That, or there could be a vacuum leak, or a problem with timing. Perhaps the spark plugs? In any case, a vacuum test should* point me in the right direction.
I don’t think the vacuum test will help you.
You need to get the engine codes.
Mine ran terribly for a hundred miles before turning on the CEL.
Stop in at a Advance/AutoZone and have them pull the codes. If no codes, keep driving; it’ll come on.
The only thing that could make your van run that bad (without a CEL) would be the catalytic converters or bad fuel.
Respectfully- if you don’t know what the intake manifold is, you need some Live help: not forum advice.
All my vans are over 30 years old so I have no clue about where to advise you to connect the vacuum gauge to the intake other then,, the brake booster line, it goes directly to the intake manifold. Some newer vehicles use a hard plastic vacuum line but it should have rubber ends where it connects. With some adapters you can connect the vacuum gauge there.. IF you do cut the rubber vacuum line to the brake booster, I recommend using a metal fitting to connect it back together.
When I cut my brake booster vacuum line I used a metal tee and put a rubber cap over the unused end. Now I always have easy access to connect my vacuum gauge.
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