Loss Of Power

[Fz1296]

I am experiencing poor accelleration and gerneral lack of power on 2.3L 1997 Galaxy. I have taken it to a garage that ran the diagnostics and they can find no faults. Spark plugs/air filter are new. I am running out of ideas as to what can be. it has a high mileage but up to now running very well. Driving back from a run, it suddenly droppeed power. When arrived hiome found that the twin rubber vacuum hose had come off. I put back on that improved it slightly but has not cured it. At lows speeds it tends to lurch, its not even. Has any one any ideas? could it be starved of fuel or something to do with back pressure?

[seatkid]

Could be several things but most likely MAF sensor (Mass Air Flow sensor) or (less likely) leaks in the vaccum system. Search the forum, the topics been covered countless times.

[Guest westy]

I had this exact thing on a 97 2.3 GLX and it turned out to be.... the catalytic converter. Stick your hand over the exhaust and see if you get any metallic particles - if so it's breaking up and so's your wallet. (Blowing off the hose indicates excessive back pressure in the exhaust).

I replaced mine with a non-Ford system saving a couple of hundred quid - but I'm not sure I recommend it. The car was never the same again and suffered from 'boominess' caused by the new exhaust system.