power loss

[jackson1983]

Hi, I have a 93 explorer sport with the manual transmission with overdrive. On the freeway in overdrive it seems to be working really hard to get to 70 and stay there. I'm going to change fuel filter, ppl lugs and wires tomorrow. It's been a long time since its been done. Beyond that any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[2stroke]

Other routine maintenance for me would include cleaning the MAF, changing the air filter, change the tranny fluid with a good ATF if you haven't already, and make sure your tires are full. What do you have for gears? If its running just over 2000 rpm at 70, you probably have 3.27's. They are over geared, and while they are ok for gas mileage, it will always feel sluggish.

 

[malohnes]

Cleaning the MAF is a priority, also the checking O2 sensor. These two items can make your engine run really poorly or great, if all other regular maint items are addressed.

Gearing is an issue too, but I suspect that you've had the truck for a while and it never did that before, struggle to get or maintain speed.

 

[jackson1983]

I actually just bought it from my uncle. He's had it since 1993. I changed and,oil and filter, air filter. I'll do the Maf and o2 sensors and see what happens. I think it's just 2000 at 70. It sat for a long time. And now I'm just trying to get it running well. If the gearing is the issue, well at least it's not a mechanical issue. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[funfool]

Also check the fuel pressure.
Seems that these explorers have a weak pump, do not like to run low on gas or sit not being used.

It simply may not be able to deliver enough fuel to maintain the speed, giving you a heads up before it pukes totally.

 

[malohnes]

My truck turns 2400 at 70 with 3.55 gears and stock tires. Its got grunt, even in stock form, to get and hold that speed except on mountain passes or steep hills. It might not be an issue, but our trucks aren't meant to climb in OD, so gearing down to 4th is normal and less stressful to the drive-train and engine. We only have 155hp and 220lb/ft of torque to works with here!!!