Could it be real...and my problem?

[Sndsational]

Ok...so I have been writing on the threads for only a couple days. Good response on some...others, not so much. I have however, been doing alot of reading!

My '00 Sport is runnig like crap...it seems it cannot get out of it's own way and has no power. Also the tranny is kida "funny" but has been rebuilt 2 times in as many years...everything in it is new (supposedly). I also have a slightly rough idle when I am not moving.

I am asking this:

some time ago I changed plugs and wires and they were replaced with Bosch. I have noticed that some threads are stating these are no good in the 4.0L motor. is it possible that my performance issues and weird tranny response could be associated with the plugs and wires? one thing leading to the other not running right, etc.

I really like the truck and want to keep it as long as possible. Maybe even start doing some work to hold on to it longer. I really need help isolating issues and getting everything back on line with the vehicle though. Any info will help.


thank you

 

[denter]

plugs and wires

I would put plugs and wires first. it's relatively cheap. but I would use m.s.d. wires and good quality plugs. you can ck out the prices at summitracing.com.

 

[denter]

btw I put a set of bosch platnum plugs in a pontiac bonneville after 12000 miles gave the car to my son and it started running ****ty. I THOUGHT JUST PUT PLUGS IN IT MUST BE ONE OF THE COILS. WRONG IT WAS THE PLUGS. the old plugs has 66000 miles on them it still ran good. my lesson don't buy BOSCH PLUGS.

 

[mrboyle]

You don't need to waste your money on any fancy "high performance" wires. A GOOD quality replacement set will be more than necessary for a stock vehicle. Don't get a set of elcheapo wires (you get what you pay for), whatever is recomended as an OE replacement. As for plugs, Motorcraft or Autolite are the only plugs I'd ever recomend using in any Ford product. Again, you don't need to try and find some fancy "performance" plug, stick to the OE recomended plug.

 

[Blazepet7]

PCV valve and vacuum hoses all good? you dont realize how a leaky hose can rob your engine, Seafoam will clean up carbon...

 

[denter]

i AGREE

I agree with autolite plugs, all I said about the wires are a good set my preference is msd because after drag racing for 30 years I never found anything better for the price. They last along time and summit has them priced about the same price as your standard or oem replacements, maybe cheaper than your local parts house.

 

[Sndsational]

PCV valve had been replaced not that long ago and last time I checked it...seemed to be fine. As far as vacuum hoses, I would have no clue where to begin looking for a vacuum leak. I think I read somewhere that you can spray carb cleaner in the area of lines, hoses, intake and if the RPM's change you found your leak. If this is true, than everything is fine from what I did. The truck has actually had tons of work done over the last year:

Head gasket
valve cover gaskets
intake gaskets/o-rings and a new upper plenum (i think)

I think I will start with the plugs and wires and see where this leads me, but thank you for all the help. Please keep the ideas coming.

One additional question...what about the throttle cable. Should I be adjusting/changing/modifying in any way? I read a thread on that. Or is that something that really makes no difference?

 

[marragtop]

Make sure you get the correct type (platinum, double platinum ..etc) of plugs and check the gap. Never believe the 'pre gapped' statements.