Having Performance Issues I Cannot Figure Out - HELP

[mama tried]

[Moderator Note from Glacier991: This new site visitor is having some performance issues. While initially describing it as a transmission slip.. on closer examination the symptoms are not those of a slipping transmission - where usually the speed does not increase but the rpms do... in this case when the accelerator is pressed, the RPM's do not go up and the poster reports a feeling like it just does not want to go and it starts to overheat... anyway read the entire thread and see if we cannot help them...thanks!]


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POST STARTS HERE:

well my 92 explorer is having some problems, when im going down the turnpike about 70mph it fells like the transmission starts slipping and it just slows down and the temp guage will climb all the way up til i get stoped turn the truck off for a few min then I can start it and it will usually go again. what all can be wrong with it?

 

[Glacier991]

I am not doubting your description, just need more info... what is it that makes you feel like it is slipping? Can you give me more specific info? Also, I am going to move this thread to the transmission forum, you may get more help there....

 

[mama tried]

thanks, it feals like it wants to go but something is giving. the motor stays at constant rpms even if i push it to the floor.

 

[Glacier991]

The best way to describe slipping is that the speed stays constant when you push on the accelerator while you at cruising speed, but the rpm's increase.... kind of the opposite from what YOU describe. Constant RPM when you press on the gas is good, tranny diagnosis wise. Not good in other ways..... maybe I should send you to the Under the Hood section... I'll leave you here overnight and see if anyone else has any ideas for you.

Welcome to the site.

 

[mama tried]

thanks

 

[mama tried]

anybody?

 

[Glacier991]

Transferring to Under the Hood Forum

 

[savagefan]

Pull codes, check fuel pressure.

 

[Glacier991]

The overheat is suggesting to me that something is causing an overload on the drivetrain... brakes, transfer case etc....I don't think it that the engine is lacking power, it is just trying to overcome an irrestible force... hence the overheat.... don;t forget the overheat. The shut off the engine and start up and everything is fine is a clue I cannot figure out.

 

[Wrench]

Engine performance

I would first check your fluid level in the rad (cold) to be sure that is not the cause of your overheating which in turn can cause the engine to power out.
While your at it check the oil level. Full/Clean? Have you had any recient service done to vehicle?
If you force the throttle to the floor (and have an automatic) you should get a down shift @ 70 mph unless you have manually selected a gear.

 

[mama tried]

the coolent is full and new radiator is new as of a few months, oil is full and only got about 1k miles on it, tranny is full and clean, no codes just the code 11 for clear. havent checked fuel pressure yet thats next on my list along with changing the spark plugs. thanks for all you guys help so far.

 

[mama tried]

im probably going to change the fuel filter also dont remember when the last time it was changed. also the tranny does not downshift while it is doing this.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

The overheating combined with no CEL lit, indicates maybe a clogged catalytic converter.....?

Low fuel flow/pressure would also cause it to 'run out of steam' at highway speeds, and wouldn't trigger a CEL.

 

[Glacier991]

I hear ya ROE, but I am perplexed at the overheat and then the seeming disappearance of symptoms when she starts a new drive cycle.

 

[adam45356]

my car did that when the transfluid was to high on my old car cheak the fluid leval

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I hear ya ROE, but I am perplexed at the overheat and then the seeming disappearance of symptoms when she starts a new drive cycle.

Yep, very true Glacier. Hard to diagnose without a code for a starting point.

my car did that when the transfluid was to high on my old car cheak the fluid leval

Good place to start.....

 

[Wrench]

Possible overheating!

I question the accuracy of your temp guage if you are able to restart your truck after overheating, shut-down and all is ok! Why was the rad replaced? Did this symptom start right after you had a new rad installed and is it an OEM replacement Rad? Is the rad filled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant? Was the thermostat changed when rad was replaced?

 

[mama tried]

when I restart is it is still worm but it goes back to normal. the rad was replaced because one of the end tanks was leaking. the new one is a stock replacement. the thermastat was not replaced if I remember right. it is a 50/50 mix. tomarrow im going to my shop and im going to do a fuel pressure test on it and change the spark plugs and fuel filter.

 

[savagefan]

A vacuum gauge will tell you if the exhaust system is restricted. If vacuum falls off as stabilized rpm/load increases then that's your bogie. You can do it inside the shop or tape the gauge to the windshield under the wiper and go for a drive, have an oberver aboard for safety. Good luck.

 

[mama tried]

well, I cant get the fuel filter off. I got the two metal clips off but the lines wont pull off. and fuel press is about 38psi at idle and slowly goes up as rpms increase.