Sluggish no power?

1997 FORD F-150
200,000 MILES • 4.2L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TONYLL
Starts and runs. Once it warms upon acceleration acts like it has no power at normal take off. But can give it a lot of throttle and will it will go. And about every 3 or 4 weeks it will foul out plugs 1,2, and 3 on passenger side.
Aug 20, 2025 at 6:01 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,494 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, this is telling us you may have a catalytic converter on the that is clogged on the passenger side. Here is a guide to help test it to help confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

You may have a fuel pressure regulator that has gone bad, I would remove the vacuum line to see if there is fuel present and if so replace the regulator. Here is the location in the images below, also I would scan the truck for codes and go over these guides as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Aug 20, 2025 at 1:04 PM
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