1996 Ford Galaxy Sluggish After Puddle

FORD
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JSCALB
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I have a '96 British Ford Galaxy (which is a minivan) that has just over 100k on the 2.3 ltr engine; but that may not matter. Shortly after I drove (quicker than normal) through an icy cold puddle this week the performance began to drastically diminish. It acted very similar to when the catalytic converter went; sluggish, misfiring, backfiring and generally sounding like a Harley Davidson with straight pipes. Only unlike when the catalytic converter gave up the ghost, the noise wasn't from the box under the drivers seat, it was coming mainly from the tailpipe. I took it to an exhaust specialist place and they put it on a rack and said it was something wrong with the engine. I've had the whole exhaust system replaced within the past month so I believed him. My question is, if the engine is, for lack of a better term "waterlogged" is it an expensive fix and is it something a layman like me can do in a couple of hours?
Jan 26, 2007 at 7:51 AM
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BUBBA_KOSKI
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test: take out the plugs (one at a time so not to be confusing what goes wher) then just crank her, i bet you got water in the cylinders, by cranking you can blow it out, if it hasnt dried out yet
Jan 26, 2007 at 11:22 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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It sounds like there is a misfire. HAve the codes checked in the computer for starters. The ignition wires may be the source or other secondary ignition damage.
Jan 26, 2007 at 11:35 AM

Suggested Repair

Remove the spark plugs one at a time and crank the engine to expel any water from the cylinders. Also scan for trouble codes and inspect the ignition wires and other secondary ignition parts for water-related misfire damage.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Ford Galaxy became sluggish, misfired, and backfired from the tailpipe after driving through a cold puddle. An exhaust shop said the recently replaced exhaust was not the cause. One expert suggested removing the plugs one at a time and cranking to blow water out of the cylinders. Another advised scanning for codes and checking the ignition wires or other secondary ignition damage.

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