[Shotimes] Low RPM Stumble under acceleration

[cmichaelo@optonline.net]

1 qt every 1.5months seems high.  If this amounts to less than 1000miles/qt, you have a serious problem with oil consumption.

Assuming that you're most likely burning the oil, this can cause premature spark plug failure.  I would pull the plugs to check them out.  Get hold of a Helms manual and see how Ford interprets the various appearances of the plug heads.  Obviously check for gap.  But also be on the lookout for oiled/dirty plug heads which may be a sign of significant oil consumption in that particular cylinder and which may indicate a leaking valve, broken ring or cylinder wall scratch.

Burning too much oil will also quickly deteriorate your cat to the point where it fails.  Since you don't know when the cat was replaced, if ever, and you are merely squeezing through the emissions test, I suspect your cat has already failed.

Btw, a failed cat is a potential engine killer since the engine can suck up the tiny pieces that make up the cat filament.  Have it checked out asap.  One of the signs of a failed cat with subsequent engine damage could be high oil consumption.

The cat brick could also be loose inside the cat. IOW, the brick is free to move around inside the cat.  In principle, depending on incline and exhaust pressure, this may cause the brick to temporarily move into a more restrictive position.  But this is pure speculation on my part.

Michael
94MTX,green,BOS+,Koni/Intrax,Baer,Corbeau
SHO items for sale: http://hometown.aol.com/cmichaelo/for_sale.html

----- Original Message -----
From: M Khan <jkhan302@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, February 27, 2006 11:12 pm
Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Low RPM Stumble under acceleration

> > It would probably help us if you told us a bit more
> > about your car, such as:
> > 
> > - mileage,
> > - which intake/exhaust/fuel/engine mods you have,
> > - type of MAF body,
> > - fuel consumption,
> > - oil consumption,
> > - every replaced the IAC?
> > - when's the last time you replaced spark plugs?
> > - when's the last time you replaced the catalytic
> > converter?
> 
> 135K Miles, no mods, all stock except the cone
> removed. Consistent approx. 19mpg, good mix of
> city/highway on 87.  Burns about 1 quart every 1.5
> months.  The IAC was cleaned 1 year ago and the MAF
> replaced 2 years ago.  Last plugs unknown to me, the
> wells are bone dry.  Last cat unknown to me, although
> I recentley passed my emissions test only with the
> spout pulled.
> 
> Hope that helps.....
> 
> Mike
> 95 MTX
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