Lack Of Power

[Slevin 0]

Since last week I have got a 205 1.6 GTI. But the problem with the car is that the engine lacks power.

 

What I have done about the problem is replacing the throttle position sensor and checking the compression. The compression was good. About 12 bar each cylinder.

I know that the exhaust manifold is leaking, and the noise it is making sounds like a ticking valve. But when I disengage one of the injectors, this noise stops.

 

Could the lack of power being caused by the leaking exhaust or could it be something else?

[richsmells 2]

Could be a number of things. An exhaust leak will lose some power yes. Sounds like it needs a good service. Check the timing and ignition advance. The vacuum advance is usually knackered.

 

The injectors do make a ticking noise so don't be too alarmed.

[Slevin 0]

What is the best way to check the timing and ignition advance? Could it also be the valves? Like the clearances aren't set right? Or isn't that possible considering the compression is ok?

[richsmells 2]

The tappets may need shimming if they have gone out of tolerance, causing the tapping noise as the cam lobe slaps the follower.

 

If the car feels well down on power, it is definitely worth checking the cam timing. You do this by winding the engine round until the timing holes on the bottom pulley and cam pulley line up with the holes in the block/head. There's a guide in the Haynes manual. If you can't get them to line up, the belt may well have skipped a tooth.

 

Next set the ignition advance by rotating the distributor. Make sure you don't go to far or the engine will det.

 

This advice assumes you already have good spark and fuel.

Edited November 14, 2009 by richsmells

[Slevin 0]

Well yesterday I have been busy working on the engine. Ive put some new gaskets on the exhaust, checked the belt timing (wich was oke) but still the engine won't go.

Also the ticking sound is stilll there. When I pull the plug from the 1st injector, the ticking stops. So I have swapped the one from the 1st cylinder with the 3rd. But still the ticking sound remains at the 1st cylinder. Is it a valve clearance problem?

[Dylan l 0]

Well yesterday I have been busy working on the engine. Ive put some new gaskets on the exhaust, checked the belt timing (wich was oke) but still the engine won't go.

Also the ticking sound is stilll there. When I pull the plug from the 1st injector, the ticking stops. So I have swapped the one from the 1st cylinder with the 3rd. But still the ticking sound remains at the 1st cylinder. Is it a valve clearance problem?

 

 

Before you go any further into the engine have a look at who made your ignition module.If it is not a bosch module swap it for a bosch one and see what develops.

[Slevin 0]

Well its a Bosch unit, so thats not a problem I guess.

 

Furthermore, I saw that the vacuum of the ignition unit wasnt connected, I guess this was the problem. But since I have got a problem with no spark, Im not able to test it yet.

[richsmells 2]

Check the condition of rotor arm and cap. Also, ensure you haven't disturbed the signal wire from the distributor to the ignition amp as this will prevent it from sparking.

[lagonda 42]

If the ticking noise is a crack/leak in the exhaust manifold, disconnecting the injector that stops the noise will show which branch of the manifold to check, I would have thought.