I have a 2000 f150 4.2 v6 and I think I have an exhaust leak (different sound lately) but does that motor need a certain amount of back pressure. The motor feels like it is hesitating, now I am thinking it is an exhaust problem and not a motor problem. does this sound about right????????
thanks

 

Possibly. A partially clogged catalytic converter can cause the engine to feel like it is hesitating, too.

If you think it's exhaust related, I would try disconnecting the exhaust before the cats to see if that helps the engine run better.

 

would that make it feel like it had no punch when you goose it?

 

It sure could.