I'm new to the F-150 world, but have owned Mustangs since my first car in 1984, and more recently a couple of Rangers. Now I'm looking for a good F150, probably in the 1992-1996 class.

I've found a '94 XL 4x4 automatic with the straight six 4.9L. It has 165000 miles and has been well-maintained by one owner. The engine runs smooth and quiet, except on acceleration. There is a roaring sound from the engine compartment that sounds like the interior heater fan at full blast, and the pick-up is real sluggish.

It makes the same noise when you hit the gas in neutral so I don't think it's the transmission. I was thinking there is a vacuum leak somewhere.

I like the truck but don't want to buy it without knowing if this is a minor or major problem. Any suggestions for what to look for first?

Thanks for any advice.

 

It sounds like the noise may be an exhaust leak, but it's hard to say from here. If it was so well maintained, why would this noise not have been fixed. If it is an exhaust leak, fixing it won't help the power. Is it for sale from the one owner? Or is it at a dealer? Does the dealer also repair vehicles?

 

the fan clutch is stuck- no big deal- $50 or less

 

It's well-maintained in that it's clean, paint is sharp, body has no rust or damage, and he has written records for every service done. The owner is selling the vehicle and it hasn't been driven much lately, so it may be a recent problem. Thanks for the input.

 

Do I understand this right: the fan is causing the noise because it's locked in at high rpms, and the performance is bad because it's causing a drag on the engine?

 

from your description----yes

it may loosen up on its own

Remove fan belt, start engine, if noice is gone there you go

 

I agree that the noise is most likely a bad fan clutch, but don't get your hopes up about getting rid of the sluggishness after fixing it. Your power problem is the engine and tranny. The 4.9L is a torque engine, not a speed engine. Combined with an automatic transmission, it's going to feel sluggish even when it's at peak tune.

It's a great engine for off-roading, but it doesn't get up and go. Fixing the fan clutch will give you some improvement, but I just hate for you to get your hopes too high.

 

I haven't really driven my Bronco for ~2 years now, but even with all the extra weight I have on it, I still had no trouble getting it up over 100mph when I wanted to. It wasn't as quick as my Vics, but it WOULD get there. So don't expect V8 acceleration, but don't settle for I4 performance, either.

 

I thought the 4.9L might have something to do with it, but having never driven one, I wasn't sure.

Thanks for the tip.

 

Yeah, the 4.9's got the horsepower of a Taurus, and the torque of a v8. kind of a compramise I suppose...

 

4.9 is a good match to either 3.55 or 3.73 gears....but with a manual trans only. The automatic sucks a LOT of power out of it!

 

yeah, and uhhh...3.08 gears probly make it seem worse than it is

 

Not really. I love mine, but I have an NP 435, which sports the 2nd-deepest granny gear there is. I have no trouble taking off; even when towing 5 tons.

Not only are 3.08s physically stronger than 3.55s; they make up for the lack of OD.

.

 

Forgot to add my 3.08's are with E4OD