What to do about under powered 2000XLS

[mas]

Brief history: I have a 2000 V6 2WD XLS I bought used in 2001 with 12K miles on it. Somewhere around 55K miles the engine was rebuilt under warranty for cracked heads. Around 125K miles the transmission/torque converter bit it and I had it rebuilt by a local AAMACO shop maybe 3-4 years ago. Currently at 208K miles. Oil changed fairly regularly and other maintenance too.

For the past year maybe I've noticed it just doesn't have the get up and go it used too. Not that it was ever a speed demon, but I can't hardly pass on the highway without a mile or more of clear lane. Takes forever. If i floor it the transmission kicks down and the RPM's climb, but it's just slow.

Also, yesterday while trying to help my dad move his sailboat into a new spot my truck wouldn't pull it up a 15-20 degree incline in low gear. It slowed to a halt and just sat there. RPM's weren't above 2500 maybe. Even with the throttle to the floor. The boat/trailer weight is only 3000lbs, well within the towing capacity from I can tell.

Obviously I'd like too keep it an low cost as possible. I'm fairly comfortable working on it myself within reason. I've done an engine swap on a Bronco II i had years ago and some other "major" type work on vehicles so I'm not too scared to try find a solution.

So, what can/should I do? Does this sound like an engine problem or transmission, or combo?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Welcome to the forum MAS.

With that amount of mileage, I'd first check the
catalylic converters. If they are partially plugged,
that would drastically reduce the engine power....

 

[Rich-]

lets start by asking what other tune up stuff you have done
plugs, wires fuel filter, whats the fuel pressure?
ect....

put the pedal to the floor, check and see if the throttle blade is open all the way in the throttle body.

 

[mas]

I've got a laser temp gun thing at work I can use to check the catalytic converter on both sides and see if it seems clogged.

Plugs&wires were changed last summer. I have a new fuel filter, but I can't get the damn clips to come loose to replace it. I'll try to get it done though.

I'll check the throttle blade too. Thanks for the tips guys. Anything else to check is welcome too.

 

[BradR]

You've done one engine swap, now swap in a v8 in this beast.

Also check your intake, the whole tube, and the box where the inlet is, buddy had a ranger and 2 falls ago some wet leaves clogged it up, strangest thing but none the least.

 

[eoliva]

As others stated regarding the throttle - Check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjgkqjyg-2U Not sure how good this trick will work on yours but worth a shot.

 

[janolsson]

Clean the MAF
If it is not reading right the ecu will think you have less air entering the motor than you actually have and trim the fuel accordingly.

 

[barenfang]

4.0 xls

MAS

I have a 2000 XLS 4.0 OHV as well. The suggestion eoliva made actually worked for me. Putting those zip ties on the cable felt like it gave me more power for acceleration.

I would also suggest changing your upper and lower intake gaskets. I replaced mine and it seemed to liven up my 4.0. I noticed my Ex did not bog down as much after I replaced the gaskets. It was actually pretty easy to do. The gaskets were cheap and only took me a few hours because this was the first time I ever did something like this. KaiserM715 did a really good write up on this. Here is the link http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1555157

After that get the basics. A cold air intake and then a programmer from hensonperformance.com The cold air intake helped a little but the programmer from James Henson really made a big difference!!

Goodluck!

 

[mas]

Ok. Sorry it took me so long to respond. Been busy painting the house and such.

So far: tested and cleaned the MAF. Checked temps before and after three stage CAT system. pipe was all within about 10-15 degree variance. 119-130ish degrees. Cats were around 165. This was after sitting for about 30 minutes after I got home from work. Air filter and intake is all clean and clear.

Watched the zip-tie video. I'll take look at the throttle body this weeks sometime and see if that looks like it could be a factor.

BradR: I've actually tossed around the idea of a V8 swap. I'm assuming that would mean the transmission too and maybe some custom motor mounts? Ehh, maybe someday.