Performance Issue

[will-82]

I had a similar issue and replaced the plugs, fuel filter and air filter then it drove like brand new the plugs I use are bkr6es (non iridium type)

[GKTaylor]

This is exactly what mine was doing - identical! - I was stupid and listened to a lot of people, spent a lot of money FOR NOTHING, I did coil packs (6 good spare ones going cheap), plugs gapped with three different settings, fuel filter etc etc, at the end of the day it was the fuel pump strainer, its a little filter on the bottom of the fuel pump, forget about replacing it, Ford will try and sell you the whole pump and assembly, thieves!!! below is a link to some pics of it, it should be white and clean, once it was off wham, better than ever.

Leave your plugs alone, the factory ones are fine, you can reduce the gap, but really unless your pushing big boost forget it.

I also as part of the mission checked all the hose lines and clips on the turbo system to make sure they were all fitting and tight, one was loose but didnt resolve the issue.

The fuel pump assembly is under the back seat, its about a 15 minute job with the only pain being the clips on the feed, return and breather hoses on the top of the assembly, the pump is inside of a big plastic, in my mind "design fault" don't be shy trying to separate it, it will come apart with even steady pressure, do not attempt to take off the fuel line to the pump, its not the type that will go back on, or take it to your mechanic to do.

http://gallery.me.com/taylor.family#100140

[trevs]

I wonder if that's whats causing my problems

[ef 4.9]

The first thing I would do is replace the fuel filter. My car did all of the above things, I changed the fuel filter and it was as good as new. Ask for a Z373, should only take 15 minutes and $20.

If it is backfiring it sounds like it is running lean, that would make me think it is the fuel filter, fuel pump or the strainer as mentioned before. does your fuel pump sound a bit noiser than normal?

If you have a mate with a BA invite him round for a few beers, grab your allen key set and swap out your coil packs with his. take it for a spin, if all is good you have found your problem. (you can use BF coils in a BA but not the other way around, BF's have variable dwell or some crap. I think annyway) But I would be looking at the the fuel filter first.

good luck

Luke

[xceptional]

Thanks for all your posts. Been very helpful.

Does anyone know where to purchase a Motorcraft fuel filter? I live in the Brisbane area.

Cheers

[XR06T]

I got mine from a local auto store, all of them should stock them. I used a valvoline btw, works just the same!

[xceptional]

I called Supercheap, they only stock the Ryco. Repco stocked Repco and a Silverton (or something like that). Aussieauto not much better. I searched all the major auto stores here and it seams none of them stock the Motorcraft. Where did you get your valvoline filter XR06T?

Does Holly or other performance outfit manufacture hi-flow fuel filters?

[xceptional]

Update at last

I have had the fuel filter replaced and the problem seems to be worse. So far battery replaced (as it needed it anyway), fuel filter replaced (was pretty clogged too).

Now when under acceleration and especially in third it begins to wind up probably around 2500 to 3000 rpm then it just dies. It does not accelerate and the throttle is unresponsive. I have ordered some coils and will get some BKR6ES (standard non iridium plugs) which I will replace on the weekend to see how that goes.

Any other ideas, (fuel pump, injectors).

I have also noticed a rattle in the CAT only when the vehicle is stationary, in gear with the brake on. Ford says it shouldn't be the cause of any performance issues and shouldn't cause any damage (unless the internals become dislodged blocking the exhaust further down the track).

Cheers

[Guest]

Did you check the strainer on the pump?

[xceptional]

Errr no. Is this located in the tank?

Cheers