does anybod knows what the life span is on the exhoust system for a 1999 ford windstar 3.8L v6.?

Question

well, you see I have an issue with the engine it hasitate when accelerating at any speed but it gets worst when going up hills & I have been told that my catalitic converters are bad and that the muffler raddles alot , there are a couple of holes on the muffler one at ither end and that those holes are not to be there, so please help.
An answer from an expert on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Elmer

Answer 1

Time for replacement. Since you didn't say what area you live in I must believe that you live where they still salt the roads in the winter. Any exhaust system is exposed to every thing on the road. It's time to take it to a reputable muffler shop and have the whole 9 yards replaced. It will be expensive but if you intend to keep the vehicle go with stainless steel for your car.

Answer 2

My question is how do they know the Cats are bad?

I've seen too many shops say Cats and O2 sensors it isn't funny...

usually when it gets to the point that it affects how it drives, the check engine light is on with codes pointing that way


OK real scoops...

Plain and simply you will have to bring it to a shop where the people specialize in driveability/ check engine light (stuff like your concern) or the dealer.

I've seen Fuel pumps start to go out and will give good power going down the highway but no power on hard acceleration.

A misfire can happen where it won't set the check engine light , but will bump under load most times. The coils in those vans are somewhat known for issues and it will cause what you describe.

Unfortuneately, there are many things than just Cats that can cause the issue.. let a shop that specialize in it check it out first... Most independents I find don't have the time to keep up on every vehicle and characteristics (unless it's a major problem).. Kind of the difference between genreal doctors and specialists.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear the cat converters are bad. Now what lead up to the converter failure is over heating caused by letting the engine run roughly misfire will dammage the costly exhaust parts. Converter comes apart and pieces rattle in the exhaust. 9 year old cars," windstar vans" can be subjected to all kinds of neglect. Your's was maintained very well I bet! WINK WINK. After you get the exhaust fixed up and new oxygen sensors your van should run much better.