1995 Ford Telstar Acceleration problems

JESSENPFAC

MEMBER
1995 FORD TELSTAR
2.5L
V6
FWD
AUTOMATIC
225,000 MILES

I recently replaced the radiator, and due to a minor fitting problem, a small piece of the airbox would fit back onto the engine. It seems like a very minor change, but now, when I turn the engine on it seems very un happy and just sits there hunting, and when I put my foot down, it feels like its about to turn the engine off. It will idle weakly and reluctantly pull the car along.

Could the airbox be the issue? Im worried that when the radiator originally went, I over heated the engine too far and damaged the head gasket.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,925 POSTS

"seems very un happy and just sits there hunting" doesn't really say what is happening, but on any car brand other than a Chrysler product, you can't have any air leak between the mass air flow sensor and the throttle body. All air going into the engine has to go through that sensor so it can be measured and used in the fuel metering calculation. Even a loose hose clamp can cause hesitation and stumbling problems.

If the broken part is letting unmetered air in, you may be able to use some gasket sealer to seal the hole. Rough up the shiny plastic first so the sealant will stick better, and let it cure for a couple of hours before starting the engine.