Loss of power/odd noise

[hallj22]

So this morning I take my oldest to school, on the way there I start to get a vibration and loss of power. I am able to get him to school and back home but, still loss of power.

I parked it and drove my bike to work. When I got home, I had my son start it up. There seems to be a leak either inside the muffler or the connection between it and cat. When I place my hand over the end of the tail pipe, I can really hear the leak and it sounds like its coming from the top side of the muffler. I have never had this to happen before. Is this is what is causing the loss of power?

280k miles, original muffler, cat is probably 10 yrs old as some jackass stole the original one.

 

[jgue467]

Probably not related. An exhaust leak after the cat won't affect performance.

Have you read the OBD2 for any stored or pending codes?

When was last plug/wire replacement and last MAF cleanout? :cowboy:

 

[hallj22]

jgue467,

I appreciate your response. I really didn't think the muffler could cause my issues, but thought I would ask.

It wasn't throwing any codes when I read it last however, this morning that changed. Its getting the generic P0306 error. Hopefully, its not something bad. I've picked up new plugs, wires, PCV value, and O2 sensor. Will change these today and see what happens.

 

[theriddler]

Probably not related. An exhaust leak after the cat won't affect performance.

Have you read the OBD2 for any stored or pending codes?

When was last plug/wire replacement and last MAF cleanout? :cowboy:

I agree with this. I find it weird when this happens no codes are thrown.

Did you run your last tank of gas about empty? I had this happen once on the interstate and it turns out i got some bad gas...should have known when the pump was pumping really slow. Live and learn.

This sounds weird but I had a timing chain break one time on a car and i was able to drive about two miles before it finally gave up and died, for that reason your timing belt could be about gone and maybe skipped a tooth.

Test your battery voltage too, should be about 12v when off and 13.7v when running. Trying to think of some easy and free things you can check...good luck

 

[thegipper]

Could be a clogged catalytic converter. They rarely ever throw a code and will cause your truck to run like crap.

Unfortunately there are a ton of reasons that it could be running poorly.

Do a youtube search of hot to inspect a cat, you can use a infrared temp gun to see if its plugged up or not.

 

[hallj22]

After getting the generic P0306 error, I changed out the plugs, wires, PCV value, and O2 sensor. The plugs looked suspect, especially #6 which coincides with the error code. Its running much better now. I did uncover another issue. Seems the value cover gaskets need to be replaced. Normally not a hard job, just time consuming. Thanks to everyone for the advice/comments.

 

[thegipper]

Have you checked your coolant level?

 

[BoomSticks]

After getting the generic P0306 error, I changed out the plugs, wires, PCV value, and O2 sensor. The plugs looked suspect, especially #6 which coincides with the error code. Its running much better now. I did uncover another issue. Seems the value cover gaskets need to be replaced. Normally not a hard job, just time consuming. Thanks to everyone for the advice/comments.

While you're in there, verify your timing belt and timing marks.

 

[hallj22]

Have you checked your coolant level?

I did and all is good!

 

[hallj22]

While you're in there, verify your timing belt and timing marks.

I actually remembered it as I was finishing up so I took the time to look. Belt looked good and from what I could see, everything matches up!

 

[theriddler]

After getting the generic P0306 error, I changed out the plugs, wires, PCV value, and O2 sensor. The plugs looked suspect, especially #6 which coincides with the error code. Its running much better now. I did uncover another issue. Seems the value cover gaskets need to be replaced. Normally not a hard job, just time consuming. Thanks to everyone for the advice/comments.

Valve cover gasket leaks can create a mess under the hood and the oil can weaken some rubber bushings...like the power steering rack bushings on mine. A temporary fix i found was to just retorque the bolts and clean off the excess oil...mine's been oil free for a year now.