Questions and Answers

Backfiring Ford Taurus GL

Q. I need info!?! I own a 1988 Ford Taurus GL Wagon. It has a fuel injected 3.0L V6, 90,000 miles, automatic trans, P/S, P/B, Cruise. The problem is I am having an excessive amount of backfiring when accelerating. The car's acceleration is very slow. It struggles to move between 20 and 50 mph. More than a couple of times, It has backfired cruising at 65 mph. I have the prior maintenance records on this car, and I can not find anything in the past about similar problems. I bought it from the original owner. He says he has kept up all of the prior recalls (all minor of course). I don't want to take it to the dealership till I can be assured that I they will do work that will correct the problem. What's wrong with my car????

Thank You Much,
H.W.

A. Sounds to me like the timing belt has slipped a tooth or two. I would get it into a shop ASAP and get it replaced before there is some serious engine damage. The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in time with each other so the valves open when they should. What's happening is the belt has probably slipped a tooth and now the plugs are firing when the valves are still partially open, resulting in the backfire.

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