Hoping to get some valuable insight from you guys. Our Camry got totaled in late May, so the wife took my explorer and truck has been daily driver to work since then. Today, I was a few blocks from home in 3rd gear when it seemed like it lost power and was jerking a bit. I kicked the clutch in and revved the engine and it sounded fine. Put it back in 3rd and same thing. I slowed some and tried 2nd and no better. Fortunately I was able to coast to my house. I've done a lot of work on it but I'm not sure the problem. Either transmission or rear end is all I can think of. The trannys in these trucks are pretty damn tough from what I remember. Anyone have an idea where to start? Not sure what I will do about work tomorrow ☹

 

Just found a loose spark plug. Really thought I found the problem but after tightening it's the same. Don't really think it's tranny or rear end now, seems the engine can't handle a load on it.

 

Fuel filter?

 

Thinking that is right. I did a lot of work on it when I got it, and I think I didn't worry about it as the guy I got it from had put new ones in. That's been a few years, worth replacing. I think there's two if I remember right. I was in a bit of a panic when I got home, should have thought it through some more before posting. Going to pick one up, hopefully this is the problem. Thanks!

 

Air, fuel, spark, takes all 3 to run. If it revved in neutral just fine, could be fuel related. I'd give the engine a good once over for a vacuum line off or other obvious problem.

 

I'd say fuel. If it coasted fine but bogged in 2nd and third it's not likely the rear, or transmission. And if its idling normal I'd doubt it is in the spark. Mine lost power like that once and the fuel pump (new reman crap) was leaking between the body of the pump and the bottom half where the outlets are. It would run and idle but cut out with any throttle.

 

Been out of town all weekend and now back trying to get canister fuel filter changed. Can't get the damn thing off. I guess I will run to parts store and hopefully find a tool.

 

I destroyed the last one I tried to get off my FE, I was putting on a new pump anyhow and wanted to see what was in the old filter, and tore it apart trying to remove it.... That thing was sealed up tight.... Your best bet is a strap wrench and only apply the pressure around the threads, otherwise you crush the can.

 

If you do wreck it ;https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CFPA0002Q

 

Finally got it off. Found a strap that has a vertical post in it that attaches to a half inch ratchet. Worked well do to the tight space but damn was it tight. Put new filter in and started it. Leaking like crazy, and I took a gas bath snugging it up. Got it stopped and started truck and it's running fine. Went around block, stopped with it running and checked for leaks. Nothing. Shut it off and it started dripping. I guess I'll tighten it some more, really don't want to crank it too much but I guess I don't have an option. Put a new gasket in it too.

I was cursing the SOB that had tightened the thing so tight but I guess I'm in the same boat he was.

 

you might consider taking it back off so you can inspect the new gasket to make sure it stayed in place and didn't get pinched (as well as the mating surfaces on the pump and canister...

 

Right you are sir, took it back off. Gasket looked ok, didn't see where it looked pinched at all. Put it back on and tightened slightly and good to go. No leaks and I have my ride to work ready. Thanks to all that offered advice, this is one of the most helpful forums.