Problems with AUII XR8

Built2redline · 27-04-2008, 03:25 PM

hi guys i hope someone out there in ford land can shed some light on my problem..

i have a 2000 XR8 that has 113000ks it seems really sluggish, and when parking it in the garage i noticed that the exhaust is making some fluttering noises, and seems more muffled than usual.... its just not driving as usual and really needs to be pushed to move... any ideas?

i had a quick look under the car but cant see anything out of the ordinary, in fact the exahust (standard factory item) looks in really good condition, with no rust or holes..

5L · 27-04-2008, 03:34 PM

maybe the catalyic convertors have collapsed (the honeycomb inside). i had this happen on my eb and it resulted in the car loosing alot of power. and the exhaust was making all funny noises.

b2tf · 27-04-2008, 04:05 PM

I would be looking at cats too going by that description - push it round with your hand and it may make a rattling sound - if it does, its stuffed.

Built2redline · 27-04-2008, 04:06 PM

damn hey!.... is there anyway of checking the cats before i head over to the exhaust shop?

Built2redline · 27-04-2008, 04:12 PM

thanx b2tf... ill do that failing that ill go to the exhaust shup and get a full exhaust maybe? LOL

Built2redline · 27-04-2008, 04:30 PM

what would have caused the cats to colapse?

the car had been stumbling a bit before this happened, i had replaced the fuel filter, sparkplugs, leads, and it didnt rectify the problem... so im thinking the ignition coils/packs are buggered.

would this have had a hand in buggering the cats?

**Peuty** · 27-04-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built2redline

what would have caused the cats to colapse?

the car had been stumbling a bit before this happened, i had replaced the fuel filter, sparkplugs, leads, and it didnt rectify the problem... so im thinking the ignition coils/packs are buggered.

would this have had a hand in buggering the cats?

From what I understand mate cats just collapse without any reason (other than wear and tear, of course)

Falcon SXR8 · 27-04-2008, 05:40 PM

Try checking your spark plugs again too, my mate had the same problem he put new plugs in and it didn't change anything but when we checked again and I forget what plug it was. But as he was tightening the plug up beacuse it was in a funny spot he was craking the ceramic on the plug.

Anyway just an idea.

Built2redline · 28-04-2008, 03:17 PM

havent had a chance to have a look atthe cats, but ill check the sparkplugs as well thanks Falcon SXR8

RG · 28-04-2008, 03:25 PM

If the coil packs are still factory they will be pretty much stuffed, mine only lasted 85k. Oxygen sensors is another thing that should be replaced at those k's too. But by the sounds of it a/both cats have given up, I like your idea of a full new system though.

With the coil packs whatever you do don't get them from Ford, even MSD are half the price and a direct bolt up replacement.

RG · 28-04-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon SXR8

Try checking your spark plugs again too, my mate had the same problem he put new plugs in and it didn't change anything but when we checked again and I forget what plug it was. But as he was tightening the plug up beacuse it was in a funny spot he was craking the ceramic on the plug.

Anyway just an idea.

That'd be cyl.5, front of the engine passenger side.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built2redline

havent had a chance to have a look atthe cats, but ill check the sparkplugs as well thanks Falcon SXR8

What plugs did you use?

Built2redline · 28-04-2008, 03:38 PM

ngk iridium IX, paid a small fortune for them too...

james22 · 28-04-2008, 03:40 PM

Yep isn't number 5 a royal pain in the A lol

I keep breaking them... :-(

RG · 28-04-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built2redline

ngk iridium IX, paid a small fortune for them too...

Part# TR55IX. You will find that unless you closed them up that the gap is too big at 1.5. I have spoken to NGK recently and even thought they are the recommended part they are not gapped properly as the AU V8 needs a gap of 1.4. they also aren't real forthcoming with a safe way to regap iridium plugs so that helps....not.

They did help with the part# of cheaper non iridium plugs to suit but that's not of any help to you now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by james22

Yep isn't number 5 a royal pain in the A lol

I keep breaking them... :-(

Drives me nuts but so far I haven't broken one. The joy of using a plug socket and a shifter!

Built2redline · 28-04-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

If the coil packs are still factory they will be pretty much stuffed, mine only lasted 85k. Oxygen sensors is another thing that should be replaced at those k's too. But by the sounds of it a/both cats have given up, I like your idea of a full new system though.

With the coil packs whatever you do don't get them from Ford, even MSD are half the price and a direct bolt up replacement.

sorry russell, i completely missed this post.

yeah the coil packs are still the factory originals, so ill replace those too while im spending some time/money on this car. you say MSD coils? would repco stock them?

also where is the oxygen sensor in this engine?..

the car was getting an average of 400ks to a tank is this normal or not!

thanx for all the help BTW guys :sm_headba

5L · 28-04-2008, 05:21 PM

o2 senosr is on the exhaust manifold, there is one on both sides so you will have to replace both.

im going to be replacing mine soon, car idles like is got a decent sized cam in there. drives me nuts.

RG · 28-04-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built2redline

sorry russell, i completely missed this post.

yeah the coil packs are still the factory originals, so ill replace those too while im spending some time/money on this car. you say MSD coils? would repco stock them?

also where is the oxygen sensor in this engine?..

the car was getting an average of 400ks to a tank is this normal or not!

thanx for all the help BTW guys :sm_headba

Repco will be able to get them. You are after Part# MSD8241. I recntly paid $145ea. You need the two obviously. Might be a good time to do leads too, if so get on to a member here BOTTLEDUP as he will supply you with a set of MSD leads for $200 shipped to your door. Best value lead out there.

As said above the sensors are bolted in the exhaust just before the cats and they are around the $100 mark each.

Built2redline · 28-04-2008, 06:36 PM

so much talk about her i may as well post a pic

RG · 28-04-2008, 06:43 PM

Nice, but those orange side repeaters would look better if they were clear AUIII ones.

Built2redline · 28-04-2008, 06:47 PM

mmmmmmm i think this site is going to be ............expensive LOL

i do agree that the clear repeaters would look nicer.... its amazing i had never noticed them before

richo77 · 28-04-2008, 07:22 PM

a rattle started in my (once factory) exhaust it ended up being the flange between the header and exhaust coming loose, held on with a tiny spot weld.

just take it to a reputable place, they'll put it on a hoist for you and fix it there and then if its that.

cheers

RG · 28-04-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built2redline

mmmmmmm i think this site is going to be ............expensive LOL

i do agree that the clear repeaters would look nicer.... its amazing i had never noticed them before

$30 odd for the pair from Ford spares.