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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

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Old Nov 14, 2005 | 09:44 AM
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Unhappy please help

I have a 89 ford f-150 with a 4.9L and it will loose power when i accerlerate. I hear a clicking noise when i get on the gas but i cannot hear it at idle. I get really bad gas milage. I'm not sure but i'm about ready to drop another engine in if i can't figure it out.
 
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Old Nov 14, 2005 | 10:06 AM
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What's the mileage on it? Tire size? Modifications? Have you pulled codes? What maintenance steps have you tried? We can help, but need a lot more information.

I wouldn't drop another engine in it until you do some more work to find the problem. Could be a clogged catalytic converter, could be in need of a tune up, bad sensor, etc, etc, etc.

More info please.
 
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Old Nov 14, 2005 | 12:08 PM
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low92flareside
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first gut instinct I had on this one was a valve tap. just a thought, no science to it what so ever
 
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Old Nov 14, 2005 | 12:14 PM
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Here is where I would start. Throw ~$200 at it and do a tune up. Motorcraft plugs, not platinums, just regular ones (1.99/ea @ auto zone). Napa premium wires (~$60 a set), and the napa premium cap and rotor. Then new filters (air and fuel), then change the oil. See if it still does it. This will rule out most of the ignition system. It almost sounds like you're gettin what is know and spark knock or ping. It's a condition which can be caused by a severe vacuum leak, or bad wires, cap, rotor, or plugs. A clogged fuel can cause it as well as the motor will lean way out if it can get enough fuel.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2005 | 02:16 PM
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it has 31bf goodrich tires about 100,000 miles. I guted the cats and it has no codes. I have put new plugs in a week ago but it still has a prob. How do u find if it is a valve tap? Could it be the injectors i don't know if they could realy click thought loud you can hear it over the engine.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2005 | 02:24 PM
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does the click have a steady rhythm to it? or does it sound like a handful of loose change in the exhaust pipe?

where does the sound come from?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2005 | 03:56 PM
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it has a rythim to it. I can hear it in the cab.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 06:02 AM
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low92flareside
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Stand in front of the truck at idle with the hood open. Open the throttle by hand until the tapping starts. Try to figure out where the sound is coming from. If its coming from under a valve cover its a stuck lifter causing the valve tap.

Have you checked out your exhaust system? Often times a small hole in the exhaust can cause a tapping sound.

Either way, you nee to isolate where the tapping sound is coming from.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 09:20 PM
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It looses alot of power too when I hear the tick. I'll try to find where it's coming from. Would a stuck lifter do this?
 
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