1989 Ford Festiva losing power going up hills

GRACELG6

MEMBER
1989 FORD FESTIVA
220,000 MILES

Car runs great beside going up hills. Car sat for almost 2 years while my dad rebuilt the engine, but unfortunitly my dad has pasted away and my brother and I want this car on the road. We figured out everything but this problem. Once you get over the hill the car runs great. Please someone help with troubleshooting this issue

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 12:15 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Have you checked to make sure the catalytic converter isn't plugging?

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 7:10 PM

GRACELG6

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Im not sure I know what plugging means. I do get a rattling noise when im really stepping on the gas. This car has mostly everything new from rebuilding the whole engine with new gaskets and seals to suspension and oxygen sensors. Im really puzzled.

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 7:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Exhaust flows from the engine through the exhaust system. In that system is a catalytic converter that can melt down inside and cause a restriction of air flow. When that happens, the engine will lose power and sometimes not even run.

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Tuesday, July 30th, 2013 AT 8:31 PM

GRACELG6

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3 POSTS

Thank you for you advice. I figured it out. Its not the cat. The timing was off a little. Just had to adjust the distributor a hair. Runs great now. Thank you again

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Wednesday, July 31st, 2013 AT 6:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS