Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Realy poor performance off the line

Hi all, been along time since I posted last, good to be back.

My Mystique was on a lot for sale for the past two months, and as no one bought it, I have it back. When I collected it I noticed that the MIL was on. I reset the computer to see if it would come back on, and so far (one and a half weeks later) it hasn't. All of the monitors have been through their "trip drive cycles" and still no DTC's pending or otherwise.
The main reason for this post is to ask you guys for input as to why my Mercury is flat off of the line when I hit the gas for about five seconds (stalled once and has been as long as ten seconds.)
Vehicle is '96 2.0 ATX with all stock components under the hood and after market muffler (Flo-Pro) with resonator removed.
Looking forward to your input....

Fuel filter, spark plugs, plug wires, pcv valve, dirty injectors, dirty MAF, dirty air filter, etc. did you get the code pulled when the CEL was on? Usually if an o2 sensor is going out, it'll pop a code, you can reset it and it won't come back for a while until it completely goes out. But the o2 sensor usually goes bad because of something else, like one of the things listed.

Hi Kremit and thanks for your response.
All parts that you listed have been replaced recently with the exception of the plug wires and I thought of that last night while browsing through some other posts. Local shop found only a set of Bosch wires (any good?) so I'll search a bit more for something nicer.

O2 sensors (both) replaced last year, MAF sensor was dirty once, Ford blamed the K&N drop-in filter (oil in filter coats the wire!!!) so I changed it out for an open element K&N without problem. Stock airbox was replaced when I tried selling the car, so maybe the air box is leaking some dirt into the MAF??!! I'll try getting that cleaned today.

Will check back later....

get FMS wires from www.batinc.net , use autolite double plat plugs.

Well.....

I had a tranny flush done today, then I changed the oil (Mobile One 'course!) then, as I found where the PCV valve was (I could even see it!!!) and I had the car on jack stands, I decided to replace the PCV.

I should have pulled my own teeth out instead, that was, without a doubt, the worst job I ever did on any Motor bar none. As a result of pulling almost everything off the front of the engine I discovered a huge crack in the exhaust manifold between number two & three cylinders (need a joy gremlin with a sarcastic look on it's face here!) Could be that this where my power loss is at!!!

So I'm in the shop next week for some welding apparently, my local shop says they have a lot of success with this route (I have considered a header, but opted not to).

Thanks for your input Kremit (BTW is that a typo-Kermit?)

not a typo,, from a funny internet mp3

Hi David, welcome! Also what part of BC are you in. Altitude can affect performance and a dusty town too. I'm down by ocean so it's all good here, but where are you?

what is DPFE?

DPFE = Differential Pressure Feedback EGR "sensor"

It's the box with two red hoses that go to the EGR tube.

Odd that it's not on the Terminology FAQ.