I have a gremlin running around my motor and its turning my truck into a sled! My 0-60 times run in the 13.5s in 4x2 and 16s in 4x4 and and am getting rather poor MPG, about 14 MPG. Anyway, I had a mechanic check it over yesterday when I had it in for an oil change and he couldn't find any leaks anywhere in the motor or tranny. No coolant leaks either and no sweet smell or anitfreeze smell coming from the exhaust. I've already changed the spark plugs. The mechanic said the next thing to try would be spark plug wires and showed me a couple that were starting to crack. He also mentioned something about replacing the "PCV" valves on each side of the block. Also, my friend that was riding with me yesterday said the tranny felt like it was slipping, though the dealer looked at it a month ago and changed the thermo and reprogrammed the tranny computer. So the question is what's a good spark plug wire set (mabye coils too wouldn't be a bad idea also) to get and where to get it from..everywhere I go to says they have to order it so I might as well get a performance set...andhow can I test my tranny for slippage? Also, any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Summer is coming soon and the locals are itching to race against my truck and I'd hate to be known as a "all show and no go".

FYI I have the 4.6 v8 w/ 4 speed auto and 3.55 rear end.
I have yet to see any "check engine light" or any improper readings from any of the gauges either. I've also removed the inch and a half slack that I found in my throttle cable. I have no vaccumm leaks either. I've even tried running injector system cleaner too. The tranny was serviced about 10k miles ago. I believe it has the origional tires on it too, but just in case, could someone send the tires size that came with the ORP? One more thought...the fan has a clutch on it right? If that was stuck closed would it cause this? I notice when I start up my truck it chirps the belt. Thanks again, this board has been an awesome place!

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'97 F-150 XLT Supercab 4x4 ORP
Project "Hidden Horses"
Superchip!
AirForce 1 FIPK
Custom exhaust
Custom Graphics
Custom Hard Tonneau Cover
GTS Headlight Covers
Pioneer DEH-P7200 "Dolphin" Stereo

electric fan next.....

 

You didn't say how many miles you have but a couple of suggestions:

1) Check Exhaust back pressure in case your converter or muffler has collapsed.
2) Get a leakdown test to see if you have a bad cylinder.

I think the ORP had 265/70-17's.

If your fan is on all the time you would notice a huge increase in engine noise. The fan is really noisy. One way to check is to shut of the engine and let it cool right down (overnight is best) and check that you can turn the fan by hand. If the clutch is locked, it will be solid. If not, it will turn with some resistance.

Good Luck

Ian


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99 Expedition EB
5.4l, 4x4, 4.10'S
WMS Tube, Bassani Cat Back Exhaust.
Superchip Flipchip on Order

 

Ok..I'll check into that, Are they things I can check or do I need to take my truck to pep boys or the dealer for that. Also, my truck has 49,920 Miles on it. Thanks..

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'97 F-150 XLT Supercab 4x4 ORP
Project "Hidden Horses"
Superchip!
AirForce 1 FIPK
Custom exhaust
Custom Graphics
Custom Hard Tonneau Cover
GTS Headlight Covers
Pioneer DEH-P7200 "Dolphin" Stereo

electric fan next.....

 

as far as the tranny goes what fluid did they used and did they flush the t.c ( torque converter ) when they serviced the tranny find out which fluid mercon or mercon 5