1997 ford f-150 4.6 chugs on slow acc.

[x1957x]

Have a 4.6 f-150 that goes down the road in cruise fine but when I start to go up a hill or on a little bit of gas it starts to chug some. Any ideas. Thinking plug wires or plugs?

[Jeremy airjer W]

I think your on the right track. Don't be afraid to wet down the wires and see if you can see them leaking. Personally I just grab them when wet because its a lot easier to feel them leaking but unless you have been desensitized to large voltages (30,000 to 50,000) I wouldn't recommend.

If you a familiar with power braking you can also try this to see if you can duplicate the problem in the driveway. Try it with the wires dry and with the wires wet. If there is a significant decrease in performance with the wires wet than your definitely on the right track or at least talking care of another problem that will be showing up soon.

[Scott K]

If it hasnt been done lately, or ever, I would do a tune up, plugs, wires, and a fuel filter. Maintenance will more then likely prevent future issues as well.

[x1957x]

Actually I found the problem yesterday and it was a couple of things in general with the main thing being a emissions vaccum leak to the vac canister above the brake fluid resivour. Runs like a top now! The hose went from it to the back of the throttle intake area under the cover and in the back! Thanks for the help..

[Scott K]

Ah, thanks for posting what you found!