Down on power

Rapidresto · Posted: Sun Jul 04, 2010 5:33 pm Post subject: Down on power

Whilst i've celebrated the joys of sorting out my cooling system in the scooby ghia and been out on a proper maiden voyage in the shropshire countryside.

However, i'm not that impressed with the power of the engine (EJ22), it seems slower and lacking in punch than the tame 1914cc type 1 that i had in there before.

Seems to make lots of noise (exhaust is too loud, single freeflowing box) but not much go.

I'm going to be servicing the engine in a moment and will try a compression test, also seems to be running a bit rich - sooty deposits in the exhaust.

Not running a VSS or a Lamda if that makes a difference?

Early 90's engine btw.

Rapidresto · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:59 am Post subject:

ok quick update.

Replaced the plugs late last night, 1,3&4 were normal but 2 was very sooty.

Replaced the leads incase this was a simple fix, but i've suspicions that this may be linked to the lack of power, am i running on 3 cylinders Sad

Will try a compression test this evening, but in the meantime any suggestions welcome!

B4Tfink · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 5:17 pm Post subject:

long shot but sounds similar to my first startup .

running really rich have to really put your foot down to get up to 5000rpm

1st thing my belt was one tooth out and the 2nd the vacuum hose to the fuel pressure reg was trapped/blocked

may be worth checking?

not running a vss mine stalled on junctions went ok tho
when the lamba went missfired once and a fault code pretty sure it ran ok til i got another albeit slightly rich.
_________________
1988 T25 EJ25 n/a.. it just makes more sense that way..

Rapidresto · Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 6:28 pm Post subject:

will double check all the hoses to make sure all is well.

Funnily enough it seemed to be a bit more lively tonight and pulling strongly, still doesn't have much 'punch' and was responsive to the throttle, then as it got warm it did the funny thing where the the power gets cut when the throttle is further down, almost like a rev limited is kicking in but around 4000rpm.

ElusiveStranger · Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:26 am Post subject:

Sounds like it's hit "limp mode"

This is where the ECU is throwing a hissy fit, but not a total shut down

Check the ECU for error codes

Reading your OP, should you be running a Lamda? Sounds like you should, hence your problems
_________________
The advice you receive on here is worth the paper it's written on.
Your experiences are worth shed loads to others, including the f'ups - live and learn.
Wouldn't YOU rather learn by someone else's mistakes? So would they.

'78 Bay, 2 litre 091 box, EJ20 NA & the ashtray's on the 'right' side.
I don't lean forward for hills any more Grin

Bugger, missed out on "Live fast, die young"

Rapidresto · Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:49 am Post subject:

Limp mode is exactly how i'd describe it, like its limiting the power available.

It happened on the way to work this morning, so engine was nice and cool, the pedal almost acts like a switch get to a certain point and the power dissapears, pressing further makes no difference, back off a little and its there again.

I've yet to work out if i can pull off fault codes, i've a nasty feeling that the black and green terminals are missing from my loom, they certainly are from the spare one i have. Sad

Also i can't see any plug / wiring for a lambda, so assume this has been removed too

Rapidresto · Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 10:00 am Post subject:

hmm just done a bit of research into limp mode, could it be caused by a dodgy connection to one of the 3 sensor connections above the bellhousing?

I mention this as i noticed the wiring loom was a bit tight here when i was tidying everything up the other day so could be moving with the engine?

ElusiveStranger · Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 2:18 pm Post subject:

Who did the wiring loom?

Did you buy it as a "bolt on conversion" or have you done it yourself?

More details of the engine year required please, also a couple of photos of the connectors on the ECU could help us Happy

Please make them clear & in focus

_________________
The advice you receive on here is worth the paper it's written on.
Your experiences are worth shed loads to others, including the f'ups - live and learn.
Wouldn't YOU rather learn by someone else's mistakes? So would they.

'78 Bay, 2 litre 091 box, EJ20 NA & the ashtray's on the 'right' side.
I don't lean forward for hills any more Grin

Bugger, missed out on "Live fast, die young"

Rapidresto · Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 5:20 pm Post subject:

wiring loom was DIY with myself and Si (Roadrunna) but i've also got a second loom and ecu that was brought through ebay.

Both are early 4 yellow plug ecu's i'll get some pics asap.

Not 100% on the engine age (was brought without the car) but i'll dig out the engine number.

cheers for the help.

ElusiveStranger · Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 11:09 pm Post subject:

You might find this useful:
http://www.vwkd.co.uk/bb/viewtopic.php?t=2300
_________________
The advice you receive on here is worth the paper it's written on.
Your experiences are worth shed loads to others, including the f'ups - live and learn.
Wouldn't YOU rather learn by someone else's mistakes? So would they.

'78 Bay, 2 litre 091 box, EJ20 NA & the ashtray's on the 'right' side.
I don't lean forward for hills any more Grin

Bugger, missed out on "Live fast, die young"

Rapidresto · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 6:49 am Post subject:

Thank you again!

I'll revisit this in a week or so as i'm off to classic le mans tomorrow (not taking the ghia sadly).

Checked all my connections last night, all are good so it rules out that easy fix!

ElusiveStranger · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:40 am Post subject:

Sounds like you may have snipped out a couple of wires by accident.
Should be an easy fix mate
_________________
The advice you receive on here is worth the paper it's written on.
Your experiences are worth shed loads to others, including the f'ups - live and learn.
Wouldn't YOU rather learn by someone else's mistakes? So would they.

'78 Bay, 2 litre 091 box, EJ20 NA & the ashtray's on the 'right' side.
I don't lean forward for hills any more Grin

Bugger, missed out on "Live fast, die young"