Running like a cheap lawnmower.
03-21-2007, 09:16 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3
Running like a cheap lawnmower.
Hey all,
So my week-old '89 sx runs like a cheap lawnmower. After two general diagnostics at local garages I still have no idea what the problemo is.
The car shifts perfectly but has serious power problems. (Getting to 55mph takes a while).
Symptoms:
What works:
What should I look into next? Possible bad fuel injector(s)? Bad timing? Gunked up engine (I sea-foamed vacuum lines/fuel tank w/ a tiny increase in performance)?
Thanks for any info,
Alex
So my week-old '89 sx runs like a cheap lawnmower. After two general diagnostics at local garages I still have no idea what the problemo is.
The car shifts perfectly but has serious power problems. (Getting to 55mph takes a while).
Symptoms:
- The throttle seems a tiny bit delayed. (might just be me)
- The car lurches/jerks/surges when remotely close to empty.
- The acceleration blows big time.
What works:
- Spark plugs are fine.
- No major oil leaks. (nothing big enough to make it to the ground)
- No weird noises (except for the head heatshield thing rattling and some ticking)
What should I look into next? Possible bad fuel injector(s)? Bad timing? Gunked up engine (I sea-foamed vacuum lines/fuel tank w/ a tiny increase in performance)?
Thanks for any info,
Alex
03-21-2007, 09:23 PM
#2
Contributing Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: WI
Posts: 589
well, if you have the stock engine, its a single cam. and these werent very powerful to begin with, let alone 18 years later. some single cams nowadays make like 90 hp at the wheels. if you seriously consider making performance upgrades, my first step would be to get a good start, either in the form of a low mileage DOHC, or swap engines.
03-21-2007, 09:33 PM
#7
well, if you have the stock engine, its a single cam. and these werent very powerful to begin with, let alone 18 years later. some single cams nowadays make like 90 hp at the wheels. if you seriously consider making performance upgrades, my first step would be to get a good start, either in the form of a low mileage DOHC, or swap engines.
here's a time prove equation
a lot of power = a lot of money
if what you want is a bit more power start by improving the amount and velocity of the incoming air and out going exhaust.
03-21-2007, 09:40 PM
#11
Contributing Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: WI
Posts: 589
i dont doubt the posibility of greater power from the KA, it can be nice, expecially with simple, meaningfull upgrades. but a bone stock one thats been worn a little bit has like 90 hp. so maybe its moreso that it only has a tiny amount of power.
03-21-2007, 09:57 PM
#12
tiny amount of power due to component failure ie bad maf, plugs, fuel injectors, pump....not age is what i'm thinking. it might even be a blown head gasket, but not age. at least i don't believe it to be so the ka is a one tough 4 banger.
Last edited by jramosthe1st!; 03-21-2007 at 10:00 PM.
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