Popping noise from 2500-3000 RPM Help Please!

[MyEarsHurt]

Well here is my issue, and I cant seem to find any info on the search about it. In the last 3 months, my car has been acting a little funny in the mid RPM's, let me explain. When I am crusing at like 40-45 mph, and hold down on the gas pedal slightly to maintain the speed, the rpms are between 2500-3000 rpms, and sometimes my car will start to feel real sluggish for like 3 seconds (as I maintain speed) and then all the sudden "POP". Its almost like a ballon, but a lot louder, and then its fine. What the heck is going on with my engine? If I am stopped at a light and I push it all the way to the floor, no problems whatsoever, and no noise. This noise only happens when I am crusing trying to maintain speeds between 40-50 mph. So my question is this...
Could it be transmission related? (automatic)
Detonation? ( I use 93 oct with my jet chip)
Or Something entirely different?

Other than that noise, my engine doesnt make any strange noises like "marbles in a tin can" I dont have that AT ALL. So whats my engine's problem? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

Nobody has any ideas, I would really appreciate some help here...

 

[twogts4us]

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue - have you tried changing the fuel filter?
Could also be a poor connection on the Jet Chip. Remove and clean the contacts down to the brass with a scotchbrite pad.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

I have been meaning to change my fuel filter, I guess I should get around to it and see if that helps the problem...

 

[Red mustang Gt 46]

Have you done anything to your engine? To me it sounds like an ignition bug, check your coils for any cracks, wires for any splits, and plugs in case they are lose...coils are prone to failure past 60,000 miles. FYI

 

[MyEarsHurt]

I dont think its electrical, I just changed all my plugs, plug wires, and had a neighboor (mechanic) check my coil packs, and everything was a'ok.

 

[Red mustang Gt 46]

What kind of plugs did you use?

 

[MyEarsHurt]

Motorcraft I think, whatever is OEM equipment, nothing special, no platinum or anything, I got them from autozone.

 

[Red mustang Gt 46]

OK, don't rule out the coil packs though...

 

[kboy262]

Sounds like it could be a fuel issue. You could be running rich and when you load up on the engine it can be fouling? (spelling) out the plugs causing it to backfire. Trying doing a plug chop. Load up on the engine a little and shut it off immediately. Then check the condition of the electrodes of the plugs. Good luck finding out a solution.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

I just wanted to update this thread, I changed the fuel filter and I put in a fuel injector cleaner...no luck. I still have the same problem...I noticed too that when it makes the popping noise, I can actually feel it in my gas pedal with my foot. I dont know what it could be!!! I still need help.....

 

[MyEarsHurt]

Nobody else has any ideas, I was wondering could it be the motor mounts? I am kinda lost on this one....

 

[Back in Black]

You may have gotten some bad gas. THis happened to me the other day. Also happens when I used to put octane boost in it. Try putting some Sunoco 94 octane gas in and run a tank or two and it should clear itself up.

 

[SRMobile]

I'm suprized no one has suspected the chip... Try taking it out and see if that helps.. If it does, you may need a reprogram. I had alot of chip related problems in my last car, so I tend to want to rule that out right away.

Good luck

 

[MyEarsHurt]

I always put in 91 or 93, nothing else, just because with the chip it runs like crap on anything else.

 

[Red mustang Gt 46]

I still think it's one of the coils..if it were a fuel issue, the OBD would be throwing codes (or has it been bypassed by the chip). My friend in TX had the same problem...I sent him my old coil packs and the problem was solved...the chip sounds like another culprit. Try swapping someone elses coils and see if it solves the issue...it takes five minutes.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

How long are coil packs suppose to last anyway? I have almost 60,000 miles on my stang (i bought it used) and I dont think the last owner ever replaced the original ones.

 

[Red mustang Gt 46]

How long are coil packs suppose to last anyway? I have almost 60,000 miles on my stang (i bought it used) and I dont think the last owner ever replaced the original ones.

It's one of those things "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of deals. Typically, I've seen most failures occur around 60-70,000 miles. The problem is that even though visual inspection may not reveal any defects, seperating epoxy or hairline cracks could still exist.

 

[MyEarsHurt]

So is there a way to test them, aside from just buying new ones?

 

[Red mustang Gt 46]

So is there a way to test them, aside from just buying new ones?

To be honest with you, the easiest way to know if the coil is defective is to swap them out with a friends or willing party, it takes five minutes. Do you live near Md? You can use my MSD's...

BTW, do your coils have the capacitor next to them.?