1989 Ford Festiva losing power going up hills

1989 FORD FESTIVA
220,000 MILES
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GRACELG6
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car runs great beside going up hills. car sat for almost 2 years while my dad rebuilt the engine,but unfortunitly my dad has pasted away and my brother and i want this car on the road.we figured out everything but this problem. once you get over the hill the car runs great. please someone help with troubleshooting this issue
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Jul 30, 2013 at 12:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Have you checked to make sure the catalytic converter isn't plugging?
Jul 30, 2013 at 7:10 PM
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GRACELG6
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im not sure i know what plugging means. i do get a rattling noise when im really stepping on the gas. this car has mostly everything new from rebuilding the whole engine with new gaskets and seals to suspension and oxygen sensors. im really puzzled.
Jul 30, 2013 at 7:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Exhaust flows from the engine through the exhaust system. In that system is a catalytic converter that can melt down inside and cause a restriction of air flow. When that happens, the engine will lose power and sometimes not even run.
Jul 30, 2013 at 8:31 PM
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GRACELG6
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thank you for you advice. i figured it out. its not the cat. the timing was off a little. just had to adjust the distributor a hair. runs great now. thank you again
Jul 31, 2013 at 6:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Grate!!! I'm glad you got it fixed and running good. Let us know if you have questions in the future.
Jul 31, 2013 at 7:24 PM