No Power Past 4k

[faceboy]

I bought my 90 Plymouth Laser 2.0L 4cyl Non-Turbo 5 speed 110,000 miles, about three weeks ago. The car was parked for 2 years by the previous owner, but was in great shape, and for $500 I cant complain, but thats beside the point. The engine would not maintain any attempt to have a smooth idle so i started with an oil change with Valvoline Max-Life motor oil and Mobil 1 filter. That helped kill a lot of hesistation. Then came the rough idle problem. I checked the Plugs, Number 1 cylinder completely fouled. I changed all the plugs to Bosch Platinum, idle smoothed. Next there was hesistation and a funny sound around 3k-3.5k rmp, so i figured the wires are old, probably arching with each other.....changed wires- problem solved. Next still more hesistation above 3.5K RPM and a sound i recognized from taking hard turns on low gas tanks on my other vehicle, the engine was running out of fuel, my first approach was the fuel filter, replaced it (and PCV valve) problem solved. Now its running great up until 4 grand, where the engine just dies on me, as if the timing was off, it pulls very strong up until then. Now im not sure where my power band is exactly as im a newcomer to DSM vehicles and engines but at about 3.8K RPM i feel what seems like a VTEC power kick, so im assuming thats the beginning of the main powerband. And i can only appreciate 200 rpm's worth from 3.8k-4.0k. Sucks right? well thats my problem, i cant figure out what to do with the engine to reach its sweet spot. I ran like $30 worth of fuel system cleaners in the tank and that seemed to help. And another thing, since day one, the exhaust doesnt smell right, like its a bit rich maybe, and it smokes very lightly (barely noticeable) past 3k RPM. BUT ITS NOT BURNING OIL. When it smokes, its a dark carbon smoke, not white (coolant) or oil. Its as if the fuel isnt combusting correctly. With leads me to believe the timing could be off and affecting the fuel ignition, thus explaining the lack of power above 4k. But these are just my thoughts, im experienced in mechanics but not an expert, any suggestions would be great......thanks

 

[Thebeast431]

It has no power past 4k because its a N/T model. Its only like what 140hp. Check for vacuum leaks just in case, but you didn't buy this car for its speed, if you did, I am sorry, but you should of bought a Turbo model.

Travis

 

[bobgeorge]

i would check your timeing.i replaced all kinds of things.until i relized.my timing had jumped 3 teeth. lucky huh. also do a egr block off. if it fixes it. you know your egr is bad. and replace it if you have emissions.my car would start and run fine up to 4k.and then go to hell. your ecu will advance and retard your timing to make it run. and so i did not believe my timeing was off until i took it apart.and if it has been setting.all the belts including timing belt are probaly dried out. good luck.

 

[Isotta91]

this is why u look at the car, drive the car, and scrutinize the car before buying. if it had all that sh!t wrong with it, why did u waste ur $500 on a blown non-turbo? also, never say theres like a VTEC kick, that's just horrible.