Engine makes a popping sound when going uphill

[sabata]

Hello everyone I am new to this site and new to my 1995 Se 4.0. The issue I am having is the followng. When I am driving and start going up hill it almost sounds like there is a hole in my manifold. The car starts to backfire or sputter. When I push the gas in more the backfire goes away but you can still here the knocking or popping sound. When I am not going uphill the car runs great. Any ideas thank you in advance.

[Savannah Buzz]

Could be, in no particular order -

Not using premium gas

Fuel pressure (fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator)

Catalytic converter issues

TPS sensor

VAcuum leak

need new plugs and wires

[sabata]

Thank you Savannah Buzz. I will check those items and keep you posted.

[Disco Mike]

What have you checked or done so far, when was it last tuned along with new 8mm wire, rotor/cap and points?

[Banzai Jimmy]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

What have you checked or done so far, when was it last tuned along with new 8mm wire, rotor/cap and points?

I feel like I'm missing something. Are you talking about points inside of a distributor?

[Spike555]

The vacuum advance on your distributor is not working/hooked up.
Whenever you put a load on the engine the ignition timing needs to be advanced, with electronic ignition it is done by knock sensors and the computer.
On engines with a distributor cap and rotor it is done via a vacuum hose that runs from the distributor to the intake plenum.
If the vacuum advance hose is cracked, broken or missing the engine timing will not advance under load and you will get back firing and severe loss of power.


DI Dist. vacuum advance replacement

EDIT:the wrong grade of fuel or worn spark plugs will not cause backfire, they will just cause spark knock, that sounds like steel balls being shaken in a bag.
A back fire means fuel is being ignited before the intake valve(s) have closed and the fuel that is being ignited is going out the intake, this WILL ruin your engine in short order.