Hesitation under load

SACREDCOWBBQ

MEMBER
1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
190,000 MILES

After fueling, I was driving 70 mph. Going uphill, I lost power. It dropped down to 38 mph. I stopped and got SeaFoam. Same issue afterwards. I eventually would take my foot off the gas for ten seconds, then it would accelerate normally again.

Since I have had this car, it has always had a whine when I have my foot on the gas, which I assume is the fuel pump. It stops whining when I have my foot off the pedal.

Any thoughts? Just replaced the thermostat. Aside from the whine, it has always been reliable.

3 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny.

I have two things that come to mind. It is possible your fuel pump may be failing/worn and not having sufficient pressure. Or 2, your catalytic converters may be plugged. I would suggest performing a fuel pump pressure test first. If you do not have a tester your local auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and will rent you one. I have attached a tutorial showing you how to do it. With the key on and engine off the pressure should be 30-45 P.S.I. As far as the catalytic converters you would need to go to a muffler/exhaust shop and have them tested to see if they're plugged. I have attached a tutorial for that as well. Hope this all helps and let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

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