1999 4x4 2.7 Check Engine Light On

Hey Gang, I'm very close to buying a great little truck. The check engine light is on and has been for two years. Owner's mechanic says it is the gas cap and apparently they have put on two new caps to no avail. They pulled codes two years ago and I might be able to visit the mechanic and get them. Truck runs great I am told. Going up for a test drive at noon today. What is the worst, most expensive thing it could be. What is the likeliest. Truck has 170,000 on it. Thanks in advance!

 

could be many things. Needs intake cleaned out. MAF cleaned. Need to know what CEL code it's throwing. I'm more familiar with the 3.4 but a test drive should be a good test. O2 sensors etc. etc.

 

It test drove very well. Good idle, steady engine. Unfortunately, it had quite a lot of shudder on downshifts. Something up with the clutch assembly. Clutch was newish and very solid but something wasn't completely right. Also, it had 33's on it with 2.5 inch lift. It maxed out at 80 MPH on a long Florida staight away. No more. I may be too used to my 3.4 but my old 2000 4x4 was a 2.7 and I remember a lot more speed than that. Nice little rig. Needed lots of little stuff. Don't have the heart to offer him what it is worth to me. Next truck!

 

Forgot to resurface the flywheel. The shutter is probably hot spots. 33" tires being pushed by a 4 cylinder. Must of not been any wind or hills reaching 80mph! Or was it a 3.4?

 

If you know the code I'd be more than happy to run through what it could be. Usually when people say its the gascap it is because there is a leak in the EVAP system which is not letting it pull a vacuum.

 

Man I really appreciate the offer. I passed on the truck. I told the guy it was probably a vacuum issue (a guess on my part). Looking at a 1997 tomorrow with V6 Automatic. I'll keep you posted! Thanks again.

 

It was a 2.7. Floored it in 5th gear and it just sat at 80 on a flat straight away. It didn't seem short on power off the line. I drive a 3.4 5 speed every day back home. I just helped a friend buy a 2.7 5 speed and I never got it on the highway but it was snappy and the tranny was tight. Today was very different. Man it is hard to keep it all straight in your mind (at least my mind!).