Lost all top end power! Any suggestions?

[fourbi4rox]

My explorer had been sitting for a few months before taking it on a 500 mile road trip to the mountains last weekend. I had noticed within the months before i parked it that it was starting to feel sluggish on the freeway. On this trip, i really started to notice the power loss. Every time i hit a headwind or an incline i had to drop it out of overdrive and hold the throttle wide open just to keep my speed at 65. I know that it could be a number of things, but where should i start looking? Here's some more specs: 1991 sport auto, 170,000 on stock engine, k&n, 3.73's with 30" tires, NO check engine light. Any info appreciated.

 

[schmidlkofer]

check the tranny fluid... and i dont know what it takes to check the tork converter fluit.

 

[quicklook2]

clogged exhaust.convertor.

use a vacuum gauge to check.

 

[unclemeat]

How about the throtle cable mod?

 

[chazmo67]

Does anyone have instructions on how to use a vacuum guage to check for a clogged catalytic converter?

Thanks,

Charlie D

 

[quicklook2]

google "how to read vacuum gauge".

most repair manuals have how to do it.

too much to type in here.

 

[chazmo67]

Thanks Quick!

 

[cheapX4x4]

did you get your top end problem fixed? I had that same problem with my ranger's 3.0 engine. guages read normal, no check engine light, everything said good to go but no top end at all, had to be at WOT to maintain 60.

took it to a mechanic i knew in VA and he said the timing was off, which doesn't make sense b/c isn't the computer supposed to control the timing? either way he said he didn't do anything computer related, he just made timing adjustments, figure that one out. but when i got it back the truck had all the power that it was lacking. not sure what he did timing wise but that is what he said the problem was.

Aaron

 

[quicklook2]

the base timing is mechanically set, and the computer adjusts the timing as needed.