Loss of high end power (06 Explorer 4.0 limited)

[Tripdaddy]

Just came back from a long trip and towards the end when almost home, I noticed my 06 Explorer 4.0, started making a blower noise and had less power at higher RPMs. The noise reminds my of a diesel turbo blower sound Like my F250 7.3L diesel). Got it home and realized the MPG dropped by 2.5 mpg during the later part of the trip. Engine idles fine and runs fine at lower speeds but does not respond with power if I accelerate quickly.

Ideas? thanks in advance.

 

[waskly]

clutch fan, coolant leak from the radiator?

 

[Tripdaddy]

don't see any leaking fluids. It does sound like the fan kicks into high speed though.

 

[waskly]

is the radiator full, the over flow has coolant in it?

 

[thebrakeman]

Could be an exhaust leak. If the noise is from the engine compartment, check the exhaust manifold bolts. If you shear 1 or more of those, escaping exhaust at certain rpm can make a turbo-like sound. This would also explain the hit to your gas mileage, as the disturbed flow would likely increase back pressure, decreasing pumping efficiency.

 

[Tripdaddy]

Don't have time to mess with this right now so I took it over to my trusted mechanic. It seems the Fan clutch/sensor needs to be replaced and there is a Ford software update that fixes some of the cooling issues, gauges, etc. Also the lower thermostat housing is seeping and needs to be replaced. While not enough to lose much coolant at this point it still needs to get fixed. All fluid levels are in "normal" range.