Hello everyone. First off Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here who celebrates it. Secondly my problem........
I took the truck in for an oil change and tire rotation about a month ago. After an hour and a half they finally finished. I took the truck home and it just didn't feel right. I've driven this truck for 10 years and put nearly 200k of my own miles on it. I know when it's "off". Couldn't set the emergency brake as the pedal would only move about a click or two. It worked fine before the tire rotation.
Noticed a faint "ticking" sound also, but couldn't tell where it was coming from. Opened the hood and I could see a spark on the outside of one of the coil packs. "Well that explains it." I said and ordered new coil packs (2.3l Lima Ford. 4cyl, 8 plugs, 2 coil packs)and plugs and wires as neither had been changed in nearly 100k miles. Took the car to my regular mechanic (Who I completely trust. Very honest and very good people. We've used them for about 15 years now.) and gave them the new parts and had them check the emergency brakes. Cables were rusted up real bad so I had them replaced. The next two tanks I went from a 28 mpg average to about 21-22 mpg. I've had the truck back to the mechanic twice now (still trust him. He's just as stumped as I am.) Rear brakes aren't hanging up. Self adjusters are self adjusting fine. Replaced both front wheel bearings (They were originals. Almost 20 years old) Front calipers aren't stuck and no warped rotors. Replaced a worn lower ball joint. Was throwing a P0171 (lean condition) code so he smoke checked the intake and replaced a vacuum hose from the plenum to the purge sensor. Changed the fuel filter (Fram) and I thought I was good to go. Next tank was a little better at 24.5 mpg but still down from my 28 average. Same gas station as always too.
Still feels sluggish. I don't think it coasts as well as it used to, but it might just be my imagination because my mind is searching for possible problems. All four wheels are spinning about as free as they can be. Had full synthetic fluid put in the transmission, but that was about 120k miles ago. Full synthetic in the rear end too, about the same time.
If anyone has any other ideas to check I'm all ears. The obvious doesn't seem to be the problem (unless we've overlooked something stupid simple) so the more obscure ideas might be the answer.
Thanks for any help.