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Lack of Power when engine at operating temp...Help!

C

Canadian 98 CSVT

CEG'er
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
70
Location
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Hello all, I'll start with the info...
98.5 CSVT
170,000kms (about 105,000miles)
Just had the dealer do the intake gaskets, also replaced the MAF Sensor with a brand new Cardone unit. The dealer looked at the plugs, appeared to be good in his opinion, and I made sure I had the performance specialist there. (Ford Dealer)
Other recent parts are just brakes and tie rods, nothing engine related.

Before the work on the engine, the car was throwing codes P0171, P0174,
Lean Banks 1 and 2. In a running test performed by the mechanic, O2's were working properly, MAF was weak and introducing gas around the intake pinned the O2's. Hence the intake gaskets were done and the MAF was replaced today. I reset the cpu, cleared the codes and now the CEL is out. I drove it around town, under normal granny acceleration its fine when warm. WOT, it just seems to drag through the rpms. Completely different when cold! Runs like a top, tonnes of power right through the rpm ban. I'm kinda baffled and getting quite frustrated since I've only had the car less than 3 weeks!

I had an 86 5.0 SEFI Mustang that I had running like a top, could always figure it out, but it was speed density, no MAF! (never got around to converting it)

The engine doesn't show its running hot by the gauges, but it has a hot smell when you get out. Can't quite pinpoint it... (not hot oil or coolant)
Shot in the dark, plugged cats? Mind you it just passed emissions testing 3 weeks ago... I'm baffled here, anyone experience this? Maybe know the fix? Plug wires are all original looking to me, but I can't see that being it...
Any other sensors in mind?

Sorry to ramble guys and gals!

:help:
 
Canadian 98 CSVT said:
.... I drove it around town, under normal granny acceleration its fine when warm. WOT, it just seems to drag through the rpms. Completely different when cold! Runs like a top, tonnes of power right through the rpm ban. I'm kinda baffled and getting quite frustrated since I've only had the car less than 3 weeks!

...
Click to expand...
Intermittent Intake Manifold Runner Control. You may be able to prolong it by removing the Water Pump cover or better still relocating the IMRC closer to the battery (away from the hot engine). If not, get a new IMRC or get a new transistor for it.

Edit. Read all about in the Duractec Maintenance - Read First.
http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=41
 
Last edited:
If your engine temp is at M or less that is "normal":) The IMRC, if failed, kills power above 4000 rpm.
 
I'm thinking Tony called it, likely the IMRC resistor. Its not exactly in a great spot with the heat and all! lol I might try and relocate it if I can't find a resistor for it! Thanks for the links, they are great, show me everything to replace the resistor! Unfortunately I have the car advertised in the Auto Trader today, but if it doesn't sell, I have no problem keeping it!
So what would everyone reccomend? Replacing the entire unit with a new one, or replacing the resistor with a better one as the link claims?
It was just frustrating me since it worked great cold, but then started losing the power when warm. It seems to be above 3500-4000 rpms, you can hear the "secondaries" aren't opening up anymore.
Thanks again for the help guys!
 
Get a used one if possible (as you are thinking of selling it). A new one will run you $250. A transistor is $10 but you "will have to do some work". ;) :laugh:
 
Thanks Tony, the transistor doesn't scare me, its just finding one quick that may be a problem! And I called Ford to price out a new one here... $415!!!!:eek:(CDN $$) They stock it, and he offered a 10% discount... woo hoo....
I'll try and track down a transistor, if not I'll be headed to the bone yard!
Thanks again Tony, you seem to know these cars inside out!

I have a feeling the car won't sell, another one showed up in the Auto Trader today, a 99 SVT with lower mileage for over a grand less...:nonono:

Oh well, I'll keep the SVT, sell the Probe GT! lol
 
Thanks for the tips guys, I picked up the transistor at a local shop ($7), and I'll put it in tonight, I should know if its the culprit for sure by the end of the weekend... I have to make a long trip to Detroit sunday, that should tell me for sure! If all goes well, its just onto cosmetics from there! As far as selling... I won't be heartbroken if I don't sell the CSVT! lol
I wish I was in a slightly better financial position in 2005 when my bro sold his 97 Cobra convert, thats on SVT I'd like to get my hands on! There just something about owning a SVT... kinda like it! lol Besides that, this one is so little known around here, most people think its a clone or just a dressed up Contour. And the ones that do know what it is... well they look at it with admiration! lol
 
K, so I got the transister installed, but haven't driven long enough to really test it, but it seems to be holding up. I'm due for a new air cleaner, was likely going to get a K&N stock replacement. Anyone try those Fram Air Hogs? They any good?
Does everyone else that uses their a/c find quite a bit of drag on the engine when the compressor kicks in? I find it takes quite a bit of power away when engaged.... Maybe an underdrive pulley will alleviate that! :laugh:
 
How is the imrc doing? Yes, and you will feel the A/C cycle a couple times in a minute if the day isn't super hot. I find my automatic trans isolates the feeling and with a manual trans, you notice more. Takes about 7-10HP I believe. Worth it, I like to stay cool..
 
:laugh: Just an update after the weekend... all seems to be working good! I replaced the IMRC transister friday, and had a good test with a 4 hour drive to Detroit. Never lost power the entire time! Thanks to everyone for their help and direction on here! My frustrations have been releived now, and since no one responded to my ad for selling the car, I think I just might have to keep it and enjoy it now! Thanks again everyone! :cool:
 
I am having a very similar problem but only when I am in second gear above 4K. If I rev the engine in neutral, first or third, the secondaries open above 4K.
The fuel pump has around 30K miles on it and the fuel filter was changed last year.
 
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