1996 f150 with the 300 I6 just feels like over past 10000 miles ive gone from good running to almost like nothing... its got 118000 miles on it... the exhaust sound is a lot quieter now and that is not just in my head, it's really not giving as much power as it use to give... anyone got any advice?

 

First, good regular maintenance.

Second, a compression test.



Third, a vacuum test.

 

hey steve, im really incabable of doing all of this on my own.. is there a place i can take it and have them do these tests and how much would it cost? I do regular oil change every 3k miles always... what are some other reg maintenance things i can do?

 

also, for about 5 minutes on start up cold... it kinda sounds like a train engine right under dash until warmed up then its nice and quiet... not sure about that might just be beacuse its old.. and it makes a whistle noise from exhaust or under hood.. not sure if that is becuase of K&N Drop in (doubt it) or becuase a pin-hole exhaust leak...

 

Regular maintenance is described in the owner's manual & the Haynes manual.

A compression test is only slightly harder than changing the spark plugs.

A vacuum test is easier than putting air in the tires.

Yes, any shop would be happy to take your money to do these tests.