Windstar 98, 3.8 liter - whistles and missing power

[jayjp200]

My windstar 98, 3.8 liter 6 cylinder has 210000kms. I have kept it in good condition although I had many problems with it.

Recently I have noticed that the power is missing when I press the pedal. It makes a whistle sound when I press on gas. The pick up have gone really bad.
There are no codes and lights. I have replaced EGR valve and EGR pressure sensor. I also replaced the PCV valve and hose connecting it. There are no vaccum leaks.

I am unble to find this whistle sound at high 2500 to 3000 rpms.

Is the ignition coil or plugs bad.
Please reply.
Thanks in advance.

[phil-l]

In my experience, an engine whistle is a leak somewhere. I suspect a vacuum leak, even though you don't believe there to be one. Given that it isn't audible at all RPM ranges, it may be a chore to find.

I know the intake system on your '98 is different than my '00. Anyone with a '98 out there with hints on where the whistle might be coming from?

[wiswind]

Check the PCV line........common leak is in the flexible elbow that mounts into the top of the upper intake manifold, near the throttle body.

However, check the whole line.
I had to, on several occcassions, put the PCV valve back into the rear valve cover after having a mechanic do work on my vehicle.......and that can make the whistle sound you mention also, although I did not notice any loss of power.
Also take note of the condition of the hose, mine got soft over time and I found that it would collapse when under a vaccum, which could also cause a whistle sound.

Look around for any other hoses that might be cracked or disconnected.
There are a number of them that connect to the back side of the upper intake manifold.....back where you cannot see them.

Also, check the fat vaccum line that goes from the upper intake manifold to the power brake booster unit.
At the booster end, the hose connects to a nylon/plastic check valve, which is mounted into the booster unit.

[jayjp200]

Wiswind,
Thank you for your reply. The PCV line was bad at Y. No holes - just too soft. I have replaced that part.
I have checked the brake booster hose and it is fine. I have tried getting the feel for the hoses behind when the car is running and cannot feel the leak.

There is a big loss in power as if 1 cylinder is not there.
The high pitched whistle sound is only heard when I press the pedal for the pickup as the power is missing big time.

Any other suggestion ...please reply.
Thanks.