Loss of Power
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 9:01 pm
I have owned my Rabbit for 6 years now. I decided to have my 300,000 mile 1.6 n/a engine rebuilt by Jack earlier this year. Everything is all in, and runs great but I'm having a couple issues and I don't really know where else to look. I have about 1400 miles on the new engine, and I did a valve adjustment 450 miles ago. It starts on the second rotation every single time. If it makes any difference, I have the 3+E 4-speed manual transmission (4A code) and a new clutch assembly as well.
I have a problem with loss of power. Now, I know that these aren't exactly race cars, but this is worse than what I've experienced. Even my worn out, low compression engine had more power. Climbing any kind of hill is a daunting task, and I usually end up doing it in 2nd gear at 15-20mph. The freeway is also an issue; if I'm going 60 and there is any kind of elevation, I quickly loose speed. Sometimes I can get it to maintain a speed if I go close to WOT or completely WOT, but not always. And if I have another person in the car with me, I can't go on the freeway, it's too dangerous.
I have no air in my fuel lines (My fuel filter was changed in the past 500 miles), the injectors are brand new rebuilds and the injection pump was rebuilt when I had the engine done. Jack timed the injection pump to 1.01mm. My exhaust isn't smoking, just a light gray haze when I shift and a little black puff when I start it. I can only see the gray haze at night when someone is traveling behind me.
I decided to try advancing the fuel screw 1/4 of a turn to see if that made a difference. It seemed to make a difference in my power, but holy smokes! Tons of black exhaust smoke whenever I was accelerating and/or going above 45. I turned the fuel screw back down to where it was before.
I have no idea where else to look. Does anyone have suggestions?
I have a problem with loss of power. Now, I know that these aren't exactly race cars, but this is worse than what I've experienced. Even my worn out, low compression engine had more power. Climbing any kind of hill is a daunting task, and I usually end up doing it in 2nd gear at 15-20mph. The freeway is also an issue; if I'm going 60 and there is any kind of elevation, I quickly loose speed. Sometimes I can get it to maintain a speed if I go close to WOT or completely WOT, but not always. And if I have another person in the car with me, I can't go on the freeway, it's too dangerous.
I have no air in my fuel lines (My fuel filter was changed in the past 500 miles), the injectors are brand new rebuilds and the injection pump was rebuilt when I had the engine done. Jack timed the injection pump to 1.01mm. My exhaust isn't smoking, just a light gray haze when I shift and a little black puff when I start it. I can only see the gray haze at night when someone is traveling behind me.
I decided to try advancing the fuel screw 1/4 of a turn to see if that made a difference. It seemed to make a difference in my power, but holy smokes! Tons of black exhaust smoke whenever I was accelerating and/or going above 45. I turned the fuel screw back down to where it was before.
I have no idea where else to look. Does anyone have suggestions?