Hello
I have a 2000 F150 Lariat, 5.4L V8. About 115k for mileage. I think I have an exhaust issue, and I think it's at the manifold. There has been a 'new' noise that is getting worse, slowly. It's sounds kinda like a muscle car. A real throaty growl that just wasn't there a few months ago. I've been losing power too. I used to be able to gun it and it would go, but now, not so much. I haven't taken it in to the shop yet for that problem. I did have the oil changed recently and I told them about the problem and when I picked up the car I was told it was my air filter (BS). I have a K&N filter, and that isn't/wasn't the problem. The problem became very apparent after we towed a travel trailer about 300 miles about a month or so ago. Could the extra strain have caused the problem? Do these trucks have any exhaust issues I should be aware of? What symptoms would an exhaust manifold leak have? I don't smell any exhaust in the cab, not that I necessarily would. Would a problem somewhere along the exhaust system cause the same symptoms? OR am I completely barking up the wrong tree?? Could it be something else entirely??
Any help, tips, or advice would be appreciated.

 

Do you still have catalytic converters on your truck? An exhaust manifold leak usually produces an annoying ticking sound.

 

Yes, I do still have the catalytic converter. and yes, there is an annoying 'ticking' sound that is in rhythm with the engine. I've owned the truck for about 2 years and that sound has always been there.

 

The cats may be stopped up. I think it would take one hell of an exhaust leak to cause a power loss. Put your hand near the tailpipe with the truck running and see how strong of a flow you have there. If it is barely trickling out, your exhaust has a restriction.

 

GREAT!! Thank you very much for the advice. That's much cheaper to fix than a manifold leak. Thanks again.