Hello, i have a 2002 Tribute V6 4x4 that has 140 000 km and the truck has an exhaust smell when i start it. It also makes a noise like an exhaust leak when i start it. It seems to come from the exhaust manifold next to the fire wall. The Ford dealer say i have to change that manifold that includes a cat (800$ for the part). I would be ready to change that part if it also solve the low power. The truck seems to be slow uphill, it first downshift to 3rd than to 2nd only to maintain a speed of 90 km/hr (and the rpm goes over 4000 rpm). Is this normal? I think the manifold with the cat may be clogged but is there a way to check it?
The engine seems to have difficulty in higher rpm >4000 going uphill, it doesn't seem to have a lot of torque. Also the 0-100 km/hr time is about 12.5 sec. I read that the 0-100 time should be around 9 sec. How long take yours to go to 100 km/hr? I also have a Mazda3 with the 2.3 engine and it is way quicker than the Tribute. Even my old 1996 Protegé with the 1.8L 16V engine was quicker.. By the way, this was a great engine! (242 000km without problems, no FoMoCo parts...).
I only own the truck for the last 6 months so i can't tell if it can really be faster.

Thanks for your help!

 

Please help me, i double post because the first post did not appear instantly on the board, but i still need an answer, the struck seems to be sluggish. How is your going uphill and what are the 0-100 km/hr time?

Thank you!

 

i'm not a tribute owner, so i can't speak for any of the other stuff. it does, however, sound like you have at least a clogged cat. you could try to knock the cat out of the manifold with a broom handle. if that restores the power, just go and get a new cat. it will, however, trigger a check engine light.