Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance hesitant duratec

The duratec in my 99 SVT has been 'hesitant' to rev smoothly to higher rpms. It seems to be 'choking' as I'm gasing her. It doesn't happen everytime but when it does, it feels like I'm on a rocking horse. Having experienced just those few times is driving me nuts as I'm sure what's going on. Has anyone experienced this similar issue? Could it be the fuel pump?

Thank you in advance from a concerned newbie.

My 98 SVT with 37K had a kinda hesitation, then surge when accelerating. I changed plugs, fuel filer & washed and lightly re-oiled my K&N air filter. Also ran Redline SL2 through the gas tank. Runs great again!
Lee

This is very common on mid 99's or later. You should notice the problem when you have ¼ tank of gas or less. The problem is the filter on the fuel pump assembly. You can look at the fuel pump replacement how to learn how to get at it. All you have to do is remove the circular filter on the bottom of the assembly. The tough part is getting to it.

I have 32K miles on my 99 and maintain her almost religiously. I had changed the plugs, fuel fiter and air filter not too long ago. Furthermore, my SVT doesn't surge after it hesitates like you had described. Perhaps, 'hesitation' is not the correct term. Another way for me to describe it may be my SVT acts like she has reached the rev-limiter even though she's still in the 4k rpm range. It just feels like gas is not feeding through or something.

It sucks knowing that something is definitely wrong but don't know exactly what it is. Calling all CEG'ers.....please help!!

Your problem is not the in line fuel filter. It is the filter on your fuel pump assembly inside your gas tank. You need to remove your fuel pump assembly, and either replace the whole thing, or remove the circular filter and throw it out.

NickP

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my SVT acts like she has reached the rev-limiter even though she's still in the 4k rpm range. It just feels like gas is not feeding through or something.

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just had the dealer replace my fuel pump because of this. was covered under esp. pretty much happened when i had 1/4 tank. runs fine now.

Thanks for all your reponses thus far..

NickP, in regards to your suggestion about just throwing out the circular filter on the fuel pump, is that going to be okay for the car long term? Or should I just shell out the money, reluctantly, and get a new fuel pump?

There is another filter on the pump inside the assembly referred to as a strainer. Its up to you which route you go. The whole assembly is $270.00 from the dealer. According to some posts i've been following, the new one will clog as well after about 30k. I wish these parts were sold seperately, but as of now they are not. I did put a new strainer on mine. I purchased one for a 95 from the parts store and made it fit with some epoxy and zip ties.

MY 2000 just started doing the same thing. I noticed it after I put on the KKM intake. I thought it was getting too much air(no exhaust upgrade). My car seems to fall on it's face under hard acceleration, like it hit the limiter or someone pinched the fuel line!It happened at the last meet in Dayton, Griffin and Chris were in the car and thought I hit the limiter but I was at about 4 grand!So check how to's
and remove outer filter..huh. Side note ..changed water pump
with BAT metal one. Old one looked fine w/ 52,000 miles. Tried fog light mod ... now they don't work!!

Same thing happened to me. One time it damn near stalled when the low fuel light was on. It was like everytime I hit the gas the rpm's would drop and the car bucked and sputtered. Took it to ford and they ended up replacing the fuel pump. Runs fine now even with low fuel.