97cobra Svt Wont Go Over 2k Rpm

[J3R337]

HELLO ALL,

my 1997 cobra svt will choke out and die if you when hitting over
2k rpm on gear shifts. you can go through the gears but not over 2k rpm in other words. ford ran diagnostics and could not find any problems.???? someone mentioned maybe two harness wires are too close together and confusing the management? if anyone could help i would appreciate the input. thank you-jeremy

[Marty Hite]

Sounds like you may have Cats. clogged up. Drop the exhaust pipes at the manifolds & then crank it & see if it revs.

[J3R337]

THANKS FOR THE REPLY BUDDY,

ANYONE ELSE W/SUGGESTIONS.. THX

[PatBuckley]

I was going to say you have cats plugged.....but I see Marty already did.


Well -did you check them?

[Excaliber]

RPM sounds a to low for plugged cats, the symptoms are correct for the suggested diagnostic however.

Heres a simple way to test the theory, a vacuum gauge. Very surprising the Ford mechs didn't use one. Hmmmm,,,could be the "new mechs" are relying to much on electonics and forgetting about "basic" diganostic skills.

Anyway, if you don't have one, buy one, they don't cost that much at NAPA. Also you will need a vacuum line "tee" connector. Find a good source of MANIFOLD vaccumm, any fitting will do as long as it IS direct manifold vacuum.

With engine idling it should read about 18 Inches, maybe 20 on a REALLY GOOD new motor with timing on the money! As you rev the engine it will fall slowly but hold steady around 14-15 Inches. As the rpm increases it may fall a little more but will still hold steady. But when you hit the "magic" rpm number, and IF the cats are plugged, it will drop like a rock!

If you got an old Chilton or Motors manual they should have a write up about using a vacuum gauge in diagnostics. The newer books have more on the "new" diagnostic procedures and less for the "back yard" guy. The guague will tell you a LOT about your motor, incorrect timing, valve leaks, blown head gaskets, it's great "old school tool". Best used with lots of "field experience" with YOUR motor, but worth the effort. There are no hard and fast rules in using one, thats the problem. It's an "art" not a science.

Ernie

[xlr8or]

Was this an all of the sudden problem or progressive problem?
Is it specifically right at 2000 rpm or just around that range depending on attempt? Does it get worse as it warms up?
What type of ignition do you have?? is there an electronic rev limiter built into it?? Maybe that went kaputz... Did you add a high performance chip to the computer? Gone bad maybe?
Does it just quit revving or start to sputter and spit?

Did the Ford Tech check A/F ratio?? maybe the injectors are clogged and not putting enough fuel in???

Ok that should help clarify.

Scott