Wrightskis

Hello All,

My truck spits & sputters (low low power) until I exceed 2000rpms where it seems to smooth out. It could be the rpms are masking the miss. I thought it was bad gas since it started right after I filled the tank to 1/2. I burned the gas to 1/4 tank and filled up with 91 octane and put a bottle of fuel treatment to remove the water (probably in vain).

I do have the engine light and will try to get scanned tomorrow. Until then, I'm open to all suggestions.

I already checked for vacuum leaks.

Thanks

torkum

Probably a misfire but better wait for the code number.

Good old Bill

Welcome to the site, as torkum said, wait for the codes and post them, it really helps these guys help you. And as you said, the higher RPM'S are masking the missfire.

Wrightskis

Thank you the warm welcome. I cleared the computer codes by unhooking the battery and after driving it didn't come back. However the ugly symptoms persist. I"m going to take it to work tomorrow to see if I can get the engine service light again. Then I will get it scanned.

The truck has 49k miles and probably needs a good tuneup anyway. I"m leaning towards bad (old) spark plugs since the computer usually don't monitor these - Right??

Mr B

try running Sea Foam through it. Stuff works wonders.

Good old Bill

Suggestion, take a deep breath and pause, before spending money. My 02, says 100k on plug replacement. Wait and see what the codes are and the info offered up. These guys are good.

Wrightskis

Too late Bill, I already replaced the plugs and an embarrassing disgusting air filter. Replacing these items greatly improved the performance 85%, however a now slightly sluggish and bumby response still persists between 1000-1500 rpms. I still haven't gotten the "service engine light" since clearing it on Friday. Oh by the way, AutoZone in my area no longer lends a scanner to customers. Word has it that the local mechanics complained that they were loosing money. I"m going to burn this tank of gas and stick in more 91 octane and another bottle of fuel treatment. If that doesn't work then I'm going to be stuck until I can have it put on an analyzer. Maybe I'll try the Sea Foam suggestion once I find out what it is.

Right now the truck is very drivable although I wouldn't take it on any long haul.

Thanks again.

stumpjumper

Seafoam is a product that a lot of boaters use to combat the effects of ethanol and to keep 2 cycles free of carbon. Auto Zone carries and I have heard that Wal Mart just started to. I had problems with plugs and a COP on a 5.4 because of moisture at 40k. I never had any problems with my 4.6 though.

torkum

If you air filter was that funky, clean the MAF too.

Mr B

What condition are the plug wires in?