99 Escort lx fuel mph and horse power problems. - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

dogsonic · 07-09-2012, 19:19

This is a 2.0 single overhead cam split port. I've just recently had the motor rebuilt cause the #4 valve seat fell out of the head at 139,000 miles. Which found out it is common. Well here's the problem it seems sluggish from 35 to 45 when I accelerate. At 55 or 70 if I want to pick up speed fast it almost has to be floored to kick passing gear in. My mpg went from 37 to 15-22mpg. I have 160psi in all cylinders. Replaced the cat cause it was fouled up from all the fuel and junk when the head went. I have not done a fuel pressure check yet. Have any ideas as to what I need to look at any help would be great. I would like to get it running like it did before the head blew.

**Bert** · 07-09-2012, 19:45

I'd check the timing belt to make sure it's in time. If you had a shop do it, bring it to their attention as to what you're experiencing.

dogsonic · 07-09-2012, 20:02

Yes sir I forgot to put that the timing has been checked and also the injectors. I had a shop do the rebuild. I have puzzled them myself and the local ford shop. It was told to me that the tranny could cause this prob also. Thanks for the response.

FordMan59 · 07-10-2012, 11:07

Have you checked to make sure you plugged the 02 sensor back in after replacing the catalytic converter? If you failed to plug it back in the car is running in open look 100% of the time. I non functioning 02 sensor or one that isn't working properly will cause poor gas mileage and sometimes all around poor performance.

dogsonic · 07-10-2012, 18:22

Yes sir I have doubled checked that and replaced it also. I'm looking into the tranny also. At 40-55 mph it sometimes don't downshift so it takes half to full pedal. When it dose shift it last 2-4 mph then it's done. Then at times it dose alright but it dose take alot of peddle at those speeds to pick up speed to get on the highway. After that it takes very little peddle to run 75 or 80. So I don't have a clue so maybe it's related. Any ideas please keep giving them I would like to get this back the way it should be.

**CatSkinner** · 07-10-2012, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogsonic

Well here's the problem it seems sluggish from 35 to 45 when I accelerate. At 55 or 70 if I want to pick up speed fast it almost has to be floored to kick passing gear in.

This part here would have me looking at either vacuum or tranny. I don't know how many gears it has, but if your not shifting to maximize efficiency, or it is having a difficult time getting between the different gears, you will lose mileage and it'll appear sluggish.

dogsonic · 07-10-2012, 19:30

Yes sir it dose act sluggish at time. Best way to explain is it acts like a 4 barrel carb getting too much fuel than bam it goes. Is their any adjustments on these trannys cause it has no cable for down shift. What vacuum line could it be I haven't found any leaks on top.

**CatSkinner** · 07-10-2012, 20:12

On a 99, the tranny should be controlled by solenoids based on the vacuum sensed at the manifold. If you get it scanned, it might pop up a diagnostic that'll point you in the right direction. When dealing with issues with automatics, I try to get the obvious out of the way, verify proper vacuum and no leaks, filter's clean and fresh oil charge, et. al, then see where you end up. If your oil is dark or acrid smelling, you may be slipping clutches, so procrastinating will only get more expensive.

dogsonic · 07-10-2012, 20:56

Wow ok I will have a diagnostic done. I have had no service lights on will that make a difference. I'll go back through the vac lines and manifold for leaks which that is covered from the rebuilt. The tran was serviced at the same time the engine was rebuilt so got that part at least. I'll try to find a vacuum diagram for that to make sure a line wasn't pinched when it was put back together. Didn't have any of these problems before the engine failure irritating for me and those tiring to help lol. Thank you for the help.

dogsonic · 07-13-2012, 22:36

I was told before I get the diagnostic done to check my cam timing. That it could be one or two teeth off and run at highway or cruising but won't run when under heavy load. Or my muffler may be causing back pressure and both can lead to poor mpg and horsepower. I didn't know or even think of the cam may be off and causing this. I have checked the ignition timing it is 18 degrees so I just left anymore timing probs out. If anyone has input on this feel free to give me advice.