Au2 Tickford: intermittent power loss under variable load and speed conditions

[peterljohnson55]

Hi Guys,

My AU2 Tickford auto, 130,000 kms, experiences sporadic loss of power under load, of less than a one second in varying circumstances.

These ‘flickers’ are inconsistent and the time between them is variable. Doesn’t always happen, either, but has been getting worse over last month.

Happens when:-
- engine is hot or cold,
- pedal down from standing start,
- on cruise control at 60 and 70 (suburbia) while driving up slight inclines;
- cruising at 110 on freeway while driving up hills (like on F3 toward Sydney).

Mechanic says
- could be one of the leads (which are most likely originals)
- could be bad plug the plug could (have) damage(d) the lead
- could be fuel filter or injectors
- could be the coil
- doubts it is the auto clutch slipping

Mechanic suggests the following action
- concurrent replacement of new leads and sparkplugs ($200ish).
- Suck-it-and-see approach: Probably due for new leads anyway so no great loss if don’t solve problem.

(Ford Spares trade prices ... plugs = $69, Leads = $40, Fuel Filter = $18.25.)

I am no mechanic so haven’t a clue....
Can the problem develop in a major malfunction?
Any ideas?
Do you agree with the mechanics approach?
What would you do?

Thanks,
Peter J, Newcastle.