My 2002 with 21K miles has developed a very noticeable hesitation under load (going up a hill) at about 1500 - 2000 rpm’s @ 35 - 50 mph. I took it to a non dealer mechanic who
scanned for codes (none found). He replaced the
plugs (original
plugs) one was found with oil coating in the plug well from the
valve cover gasket.. He suggested replacement of the
valve cover gasket in the next year. He said it would take a long time for the oil to seep down into the new plug. The
valve cover leak is very small. The COPS / Coils are all the original
Motorcraft.. Again no
check engine light or any codes stored. First question, if it was a bad coil on plug (COP) would it always trigger the
check engine light or set a drive-ability code?
The mechanic seems to think it could be a clogged exhaust system on the passenger side after checking the temperature of the two
catalytic converters. So down the rabbit hole we go with Cataclean trying to eliminate carbon buildup and a possible clogged
catalytic converter. I just put the first bottle as directed into the tank with about < 1/4 tank of gas in the tank. I drove the bird for about 20 miles then refilled the tank. It seemed to help the hesitation some but it is still there. He also suggested it my take two application.. So I am in between the first and second application trying to burn off a tank of gas. If the Cataclean doesn’t work, then it my be a pair of
catalytic converters at a very expensive price tag. They are nearly 20 years old catalytic converters. I do not smell any rotten egg smell from the engine exhaust which I think would be a sign if a failed converter.
I decided to do the second application of the Cataclean and if that doesn’t work head to the dealer who may have more experience with the T-Bird design COP’s,
plugs,
valve cover gaskets and possibility of no codes if no codes could be a possibility with a single coil / COP failure.
I guess driving it like you didn’t steal it could be bad for it too..
Any thoughts and thanks in advance..