I expected more from a V8
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 91
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I expected more from a V8
For months now I have been trying to figure out why my truck won't maintain speed on the highway. I has to downshift to drive to maintain 70 mph on the slightest of grades or with a small head wind. I brought it to a tranny shop and they said the tranny is perfectly fine but the engine has no power. So I brought it to the Ford Dealer and they can't find anything wrong with it. They are saying that is all the power I should expect from my truck. Here is what I have:
94 F150
302 v8
4x4
E4OD transmission
3.55 lsd
108k
Here is what I have serviced
air filter
cap and rotor
plugs
wires
fuel filter
transmission filter and oil
Am I just expecting too much from this truck? I thought a 302 would have no problem with an unloaded F150. Thanks for the help.
94 F150
302 v8
4x4
E4OD transmission
3.55 lsd
108k
Here is what I have serviced
air filter
cap and rotor
plugs
wires
fuel filter
transmission filter and oil
Am I just expecting too much from this truck? I thought a 302 would have no problem with an unloaded F150. Thanks for the help.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
I put 31x10.50" tires on it but it was doing the same darn thing with the 235/75R15 tires that came stock on it. I had the Ford dealer check it out so I am assuming they did a compression check, I will make sure though. It doesn't burn any oil so I don't have any reason to suspect bad compression.
I think I might bump up the timing and put on an electric fan. I already have a K&N replacement filter and catback dual exhaust. I know not to expect much from either but at least its something.
Does anyone know if the OBD-I can tell if the catalytic converter is plugged?
I think I might bump up the timing and put on an electric fan. I already have a K&N replacement filter and catback dual exhaust. I know not to expect much from either but at least its something.
Does anyone know if the OBD-I can tell if the catalytic converter is plugged?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 245
Likes: 41
you would more than likely smell very hot metal if your cat was plugged. they tend to get white hot and the motor usually struggles with higer engine speeds due to the blockage.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
Originally Posted by Dave85zxt
Does anyone know if the OBD-I can tell if the catalytic converter is plugged?
you can use a vacuum gauge to check cat convertor.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 594
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From: Wetumpka, Alabama
Originally Posted by corpsedub
you would more than likely smell very hot metal if your cat was plugged. they tend to get white hot and the motor usually struggles with higer engine speeds due to the blockage.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
Originally Posted by Dave85zxt
How do you use a vacuum gage to check the cat?
1)use a vacuum gauge,and look for low vacuum readings.If the air can't get out,it can't get in,hence the low vacuum.
Using a vacuum gauge,and looking for engine vacuum dropping to almost 0 when you give it gas.
2)drill a small hole in the exhaust,upstream of the cat,and measure the backpressure.If the backpressure is excessive,the cat is plugged.
3)drop the y-pipe from the manifold,and take it for a test drive.If the power increases,then you have a plugged exhaust.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
instructions on how to use a vacuum gauge:
diagnoseengine.php
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/...0/vacuum.shtml
diagnoseengine.php
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/...0/vacuum.shtml
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
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From: Running Springs CA
I hate to tell you this, but a 5.0 4x4 with 3.55 gears and oversize tires is a DOG. My '94 behaves similarly with all eight compressions over 160. The normally recommended and expenive mods like intakes and exhausts are a total and complete waste of money because they do nothing for low end, only top end, on a short-stroke rev-happy engine. Get 4.10 gears or manually downshift like I do. Second gear is necessary for me to get up CA hwy 330 to my house. Watch your tach. Anything under 2000 rpm is essentially lugging that engine. I am thinking of getting a chip and maybe that will help.
Jim
Jim