StevenRaith
New member
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2012
- Messages
- 16
I know there are a lot of threads about no power when the car is at low revs, but I have a weird one.
No power above 2000-ish RPM depending on load.
At a standstill, the engine revs fine - so presumably not bottom end related as it's be knocking and clunking like a mofo.
When driving, anything above 2000rpm with a more than minor throttle opening causes a noise like a blown exhaust, with some hissing from under the car that sounds slightly metallic. (we assumed this was cat particles buzzing around the cat housing).
It seems to respond to throttle opening; so gently accelerating in fourth/fifth at gives a gentle *prraaarrpp* from under the car, with little bit of hissing. More throttle means more noise with little more power generated. Also seems to choke a bit when coming off throttle before it starts to settle down. Sounds like it's running on four pots, not any less - if it's a misfire, it's a damned smooth one.
It has so little power it will barely reach 60, and any incline screws you entirely.
My mechanic has managed to pull the cat off (eventually!) but as it's got that L shaped piece of tubing behind it, he can only see in the front - and it looks OK.
So he's got a new cat and going to throw it on tomorrow as he's got kids to pick up etc tonight.
However, if the cat *doesn't* fix it, what are the next options? I'm aware that VCT problems would cause lack of power, but it sounds for all the world like a blocked zorst because of the way that the noise increases with more throttle - presumably if the cams weren't advancing, it wouldn't even do that. Cams not advancing also wouldn't explain why it sounds so loud.
Any one seen symptoms like the above and it *not* being an exhaust issue?
Your help gratefully received; I'm not made of money, so troubleshooting tips and shortcuts would be appreciated.
Exhaust is standard with the exception of a straight centre section. Nothing else on the engine is modified, no messing with the low speed torque restrictor or anything of that ilk - it's totally standard in that respect.
Fuel system might explain lack of power, but not noises. (there is a fuel filter to go on it)
Cam timing would explain lack of power, but surely would affect it's ability to rev up when in neutral? It feels identical in that regard - I'm assuming the cams advance when the car is unloaded to an extent, but perhaps not as much as when loaded. And I'm pretty sure it should be able to crack 60 without a problem even without cam advance.
No obvious noises from engine bay at idle, and obviously can't check engine bay when moving.
no codes other than P0443 which is talking about the fuel evap line thing, no oil pressure warnings, no battery warnings.
Car is a w-plate Millenium...
No power above 2000-ish RPM depending on load.
At a standstill, the engine revs fine - so presumably not bottom end related as it's be knocking and clunking like a mofo.
When driving, anything above 2000rpm with a more than minor throttle opening causes a noise like a blown exhaust, with some hissing from under the car that sounds slightly metallic. (we assumed this was cat particles buzzing around the cat housing).
It seems to respond to throttle opening; so gently accelerating in fourth/fifth at gives a gentle *prraaarrpp* from under the car, with little bit of hissing. More throttle means more noise with little more power generated. Also seems to choke a bit when coming off throttle before it starts to settle down. Sounds like it's running on four pots, not any less - if it's a misfire, it's a damned smooth one.
It has so little power it will barely reach 60, and any incline screws you entirely.
My mechanic has managed to pull the cat off (eventually!) but as it's got that L shaped piece of tubing behind it, he can only see in the front - and it looks OK.
So he's got a new cat and going to throw it on tomorrow as he's got kids to pick up etc tonight.
However, if the cat *doesn't* fix it, what are the next options? I'm aware that VCT problems would cause lack of power, but it sounds for all the world like a blocked zorst because of the way that the noise increases with more throttle - presumably if the cams weren't advancing, it wouldn't even do that. Cams not advancing also wouldn't explain why it sounds so loud.
Any one seen symptoms like the above and it *not* being an exhaust issue?
Your help gratefully received; I'm not made of money, so troubleshooting tips and shortcuts would be appreciated.
Exhaust is standard with the exception of a straight centre section. Nothing else on the engine is modified, no messing with the low speed torque restrictor or anything of that ilk - it's totally standard in that respect.
Fuel system might explain lack of power, but not noises. (there is a fuel filter to go on it)
Cam timing would explain lack of power, but surely would affect it's ability to rev up when in neutral? It feels identical in that regard - I'm assuming the cams advance when the car is unloaded to an extent, but perhaps not as much as when loaded. And I'm pretty sure it should be able to crack 60 without a problem even without cam advance.
No obvious noises from engine bay at idle, and obviously can't check engine bay when moving.
no codes other than P0443 which is talking about the fuel evap line thing, no oil pressure warnings, no battery warnings.
Car is a w-plate Millenium...
