Acceleration issues

[masanders]

I have a 2006 Ford Ranger XLT 2wd 2.3L automatic. When I press the pedal to go forward in D, it doesn't really get going quicker until about 2500-3000 RPM. Could it be the catalytic converter? My sister said something about the exhaust having an odd smell to it.

How can I tell if it's a problem? So far there are no CELs.



Mark

2006 Ford Ranger XLT
2.3L
Long Bed
Flowmaster exhaust
K&N intake filter

She may not run 10's in the 1/4 mile...but she's my baby!

 

[Soledad]

If the exhaust smells like rotten eggs then there is a good chance one of the catalytic converters has failed.

To test for a clogged catalytic converter you can try a few things:

1. Easiest, take the truck for a spin, put in OD and go up a large, long hill fast putting a big load on the engine. Then pull over quickly get out and look under the truck at the cats. Is one or both of them glowing cherry red? If so then "potentially" clogged.

2. Hook up a vacuum gauge, warm up the engine to operating temperature and check the value at idle. It should be anywhere between 17-21 in.Hg.. Then rev the engine up to 2000-2500 RPM and hold it there and watch the vacuum gauge needle. Does the needle slowly drop? If it does then the cat(s) could be clogged. If the needle doesn't drop it doesn't necessarily mean they are not clogged.

3. Purchase or rent an exhaust back pressure gauge. Take out the first o2 sensor and start the engine. If there is more than 1.5psi - 2 psi reading on the gauge then the exhaust is definitely clogged. Could be cats or muffler/resonator.