Problems After Long Haul
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Problems After Long Haul
I just got back from a long (140+ mile) trip on the freeway, and I noticed on the way back home on normal streets that my van is starting to have a hard time taking off. It'll go when I press the gas, but very slowly, and the engine just won't power up like it usually does. However, the problem comes and goes when I stop at stop signs and then take off. I don't think it's a transmission problem, just doesn't seem like it. It seems more like the engine is having the issue. Does anyone know what might be wrong? Could the thing just be hot or something?
I drive an '89 3.0L 2WD.
I drive an '89 3.0L 2WD.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Well I drove it today and there wasn't a single problem. The engine was probably tired after taking a long trip that involved uphill climb at 75 mph. I do think a checking/replacement of sensors may be in order, though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
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From: Northern California
How are your plug wires? The symptoms you describe are common after a long drive with borderline wires in a hot engine. Same with the distributor cap and rotor. years ago in my '87 Aerostar 3.0v6, I had the same sluggish perforformance after a long drive, especially in hot weather. After an overnight cool down, the van ran okay to work, etc. I'm not saying that is your problem, just something to check. Also, if you do replace the cap, rotor and wires, use a quality product. Motorcraft or similar. You will pay a little more ($65 for a wire set, as compared to $26) but it is worth every penny when you don't have to replace those cheaper quality parts. Good luck.
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Junior User
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I believe I have had symptoms a while ago that were later described here as spark plug wire problems, so I'll definitely check that out. I guess they don't check those kinds of things when you get a tune-up. I just had the van tuned up about a month or so ago.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 6
From: Northern California
Jim, the thing too, is most plug wires look okay to the naked eye, yet inside the wire, it's deteriated badly. Heat is the enemy, so many heat soak conditions over time are the culprit. The heat these engines have to take is a torture chamber, that is why quality motor oil, oil filters, and the cooling system is very important on Aerostars. Good luck. If you do determine what was causing the sluggish performance when hot (after a long freeway run, etc.) please post, as I would be curious to learn what you found out. Peace...ED
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