Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

New guy with a question...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 09:17 PM
  #1  
zomonster's Avatar
zomonster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Dundee, Oregon
Question New guy with a question...

Greetings gentlemen and ladies. I have a 1997 explorer with a 4.0 Lt SHC. When I drive it, (it's the wifes) it all of a sudden developes kind of a flat spot. Like it's not getting fuel.
Basically, if I hold the throtle constant, all of a sudden it acts like it's not getting enought fuel. Or if the cruise control is on, it will start chugging like it's starved.
I don't notice any drop in RPM but it definitly won't excellerate if I push on it.
If I let off the pedal, then depress it once again, it is gone.
I grew up in gas stations, but this has me totally confused. Help?
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 09:51 PM
  #2  
c96drumm's Avatar
c96drumm
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 1
From: Colorado, U.S.A!
Have you pulled the codes? That should be the first step. How long since the plugs, wires, filters, etc. have been changed? I know that's pretty basic, but just thought I'd ask.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2003 | 10:02 PM
  #3  
zomonster's Avatar
zomonster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Dundee, Oregon
75000 miles. never changed anything so far. My ranger I changed the plugs and wires at 124K. Only because the gas mileage was slipping. Both were special orders. Guaranteed 100K on plugs and 60K on wires.

Nothing has popped up on the codes. My work has an entire fleet of fords with on site matainance. The check engine light has never came on.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 12:21 PM
  #4  
95limited's Avatar
95limited
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Lake County, California
If you can use a scanner from work, use it to see exactly what the engine is doing when you have the flat spot.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 03:22 PM
  #5  
zomonster's Avatar
zomonster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Dundee, Oregon
That's just it, as soon as I take my foot off the gas and push on it again, it's gone. That's why I kind of think it's a full issue.
Are there filters or screens near the fuel injection somewhere?
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2003 | 09:00 PM
  #6  
CobraXP's Avatar
CobraXP
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Club FTE Gold Member
I would change the fuel filter first. Then, if you have a way to check the fuel pressure at the regulator, make sure you have enough pressure. Then, have the injectors cleaned.

It could be something as simple as the fuel filter is clogged, and you are not able to keep a steady pressure of fuel. Then again, if it is not that, and you are not dropping RPM's or having any engine problems, then you could have a tranny problem.

Start with the simple things first...
 
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2003 | 10:03 AM
  #7  
zomonster's Avatar
zomonster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Dundee, Oregon
I tend to believe it's more of a fuel pressure issue. When it acts up, there isn't a loss of speed, just power in general. And like I said, when I let up off the pedal then depress it again, it goes away.
Our entire fleet at work is Ford, I'll see if one of the mechanics can check the pressure. ( didn't think of that.)
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Oct 5, 2003 | 09:45 AM
  #8  
Jet Jock's Avatar
Jet Jock
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Limestone, TN
Zoom

For my 2 cents worth it sounds like fuel filter/restriction problem. The exact same description on my '51 F1 with a 302. Its was fuel restriction problem (trash) in the tank.

Bill
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Oct 5, 2003 | 03:23 PM
  #9  
zomonster's Avatar
zomonster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Dundee, Oregon
Changed the filter a couple of months ago. Pulled a couple of plugs to see how they were doing. Nothing

I haven't looked yet, but had a Quantam years ago that had a tiny filter/screen just before the fuel injection mechinism, turned out to be clogged and causing all the problems. Anyone know if ford has something similar?
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:57 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE