94' Low on power Ideas?

[Twilightcall]

I just got my 94' Limited Exp. It seems to be low on power. I was on the higway today and it was almost floored to reach 65mph. This isn't right is it? What could be the culprit? It has 165K on it but the engine seems fine.
I am thinking it could be the throttle cable not opening the butterfly all of the way. Any other items that are common issues.
The rpms seem ok to as they were around 2400 or so at 65mph. So I am thinking it isn't stuck in low. Thanks.

 

[MrShorty]

Lots of ideas:
1st) State of tune? How old are spark plugs? wires? MAF dirty (not a traditional tuneup item, but maybe should be on this engine)? air filter? etc.
2nd) Gear ratio?
3rd) Throttle cable might be a culprit. In considering this, make sure the carpet (or something else) isn't rolled up preventing the accelerator from going to the floor. If the throttle was really "floored," it shouldn't have shifted into 4th or locked the TCC up (assuming you have an auto tranny). 2400 RPM seems a little low for 3rd gear at 65. What differential gear ratio do you have?
4th) Beyond that, some basic diagnostic tests. EEC-IV self tests. fuel pressure test. compression test. engine vacuum test.

 

[Twilightcall]

It is a stock 94' Ltd. as far as I know. It has a aftermarket exhaust. Sounds like a lot of different items. It just seems really low on power. I know they are not suppose to move but my brothers 4 cyl. Ranger is about the same speed. It is really bad going up hills. I will start with plugs and wires and move on from there. Thanks.

 

[IgotTwo]

Check coolant and look for sweet smell of antifreeze on a cold start up coming from the exhuast and or white smoke
Might be headgasket..... did you overheated it recently?

 

[Twilightcall]

No, I just bought the car. It runs right at half. I pulled the dipstick and the oil is clean. The coolant looks good, no white smoke coming out of the back.

 

[FirstFord]

plugged cat??