loss of power

[panhead george]

97 exped xlt 4wd

about 180,000

My wife's expedition has a noticeable problem during acceleration on the highway and under a load. In cruise control, with several people and going up a slight incline, it loses power. The engine was rattling, trying to get up the hill. The exped slowed down.

During normal driving there is a slight "pinging" (detonation)noise. Only noticeable when stomping on the pedal.

Could this be a timing or timing chain problem?

 

[superexpy]

97 exped xlt 4wd

about 180,000

My wife's expedition has a noticeable problem during acceleration on the highway and under a load. In cruise control, with several people and going up a slight incline, it loses power. The engine was rattling, trying to get up the hill. The exped slowed down.

During normal driving there is a slight "pinging" (detonation)noise. Only noticeable when stomping on the pedal.

Could this be a timing or timing chain problem?

Fuel problem? Have you changed your fuel filter? Whats your fuel pressure?

 

[stamp11127]

The pinging can come from a few different sources - bad fuel - incorrect timing - vac leaks - carbon buildup.

Check engine light on - any codes?

 

[panhead george]

engine light on...changed gas cap and it went away.

I changed the fuel filter before a long trip...no difference.

I have given it premium and even octane boost...no difference

Carbon buildup...Don't think so. I could be wrong. I have used seafoam etc.......

How would I adjust the timing?
What are the chances of a bad timing chain?

This problem has been going on for more than five years. I don't drive it often...wife's car. I drive a f350dually diesel.

I am looking into this now because I don't want to buy a new vehicle yet. Wife wants another expedition.

I have to fix other problems on the exped....wife rolled through a stop sign and was slammed in the passenger fender by a 4x4 ford pickup.
I will try and attach pictures

 

[FordandPolaris]

Thats a bummer. While it is all open like that, I would maybe consider pulling the heads and cleaning the combustion chambers (carbon build-up). Can't really ask for much more room to work than that.

 

[Lightnig]

OUCH!!!

That looks more painful than my front end work was.


To address your first questions, sounds like one of two (or maybe two of two) very common issues:

Weak ignition coil(s)

bad/leaking PCV valve/hose assembly

And based on the above pictures, now would be the time to change those items - very easy access now, as compared to when it's all back together.