1997 - 2003 F-150

Rumbling and no power when shifting gears

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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 09:10 AM
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Rumbling and no power when shifting gears

My 2003 F150 was sitting for about 8 months. Got the starter fixed which before it was sitting was the only problem. Now when I shift gears it rumbles and doesn't have much power or pick up - it feels like being in fifth gear at 30 mph. It's worse when going up an incline. So far I only put gas and fuel injector cleaner in it.. no improvement.
Thank you for any input.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 11:50 AM
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From: Easton, Pa.
I would suspect the 8 month old gas.
Additives don't bring old gas back to full heat content.
Pump it out and replace with new.
Gas begins significant deterioration at about 9 weeks.
Good luck.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 11:50 AM
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Forgot to mention that my husband changed the spark plugs only (not wires)
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 11:52 AM
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The gas was very low and filled to a little over half - should it still be drained or should I fill it all the way up maybe?
Thank you...
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 12:38 PM
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From: ky.
Might want to change the fuel filter also if it hasn't already been done.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 02:02 PM
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From: Easton, Pa.
The next thing is to look at live data with a Scanner to see what is going on.
Without a clue it's tough to get it cleared unless you have some luck.
Severe lack of power can be old gas that has very little ability to make any heat from combustion, ignition timing is too retarded, brakes dragging etc.
You can even put to much additive in the gas.
When it's not obvious and there are no codes, you have to investigate deeper.
Good luck.
 

Last edited by Bluegrass; Oct 14, 2014 at 02:10 PM.
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 07:31 PM
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Will do - Hopefully it's that simple! Thank you..
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 07:47 PM
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Which engine do you have?
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 08:08 PM
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Not sure- I'll have to check.. 4.something
 
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Old Oct 14, 2014 | 08:50 PM
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Well, if it's a manual transmission, it's either a 4.2 V-6 or a 4.6 V-8.
 
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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 08:54 AM
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It's a standard
 
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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 10:53 AM
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Okay, but is it a 6 or 8 cylinder?
 
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Old Oct 15, 2014 | 02:12 PM
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It's a 6 cylinder
 
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