weird power loss

[spoolinNpullin]

ok here it goes, I have a 1990 tsi awd turbo, manual trans. I had just bought it and I am in the middle of replacing all the worn out stuff. So one nite I raced my friend, he has a civic with a type r motor, anyway I beat him so bad, (my car is stock except for k/n, filter, clutch ,flywheel) a few days after that I replaced my plugs with ngk br7es, new fuel filter, mobil 1 and mobil 1 filter. When i pulled it out of the shop I took it out and immediately felt a difference in power. (and not a good one)Now he beats me. We are doing roll on races starting in 1st at like 2000rpm. Also I have all new timing belt and components ready to go on. I noticed my cam angle sensor is all the way advanced, (the guy I bought it from had the top end redone) and when I did my clutch and flywheel I noticed that my knock sensor is leaking oil and is missing the plastic cap. When I got my car the bov hose had holes cut in it I guess so the toolbag could hear the psssssst sound. I immediately fixed it, anyway what I am wondering is if anybody has had any problems like this after changing plugs and filter, and I gapped the plugs to .o32. Any help would be great, thanks for reading.

 

[1998gstmaniac]

for a turbo car you should gap your spark plugs at .028 not at .032 that might be why you have loss of power, also check for boost leaks.

 

[spoolinNpullin]

thanks man I will try that and see what happens

 

[kicknurass4fun]

Make sure you fix that hole in the BOV return hose because that would through off the a/f ratio. Also how you said the cam angular sensor is advanced all the way you might want to make sure you have your base timing set properly with a timing light. With it being advanced all the way your car might be detonating at wide open throttle.

 

[femmeDSM]

I will reiterate what the previous poster said ^^^^ -- definitely fix that boost leak, like, IMMEDIATELY, and check the rest of the car for other boost leaks. These can cause huge power loss issues, and are usually easy enough to diagnose and fix.
Sounds like you are on the right track with replacing parts/routine maintenance before you get into heavier mods.
How are the plug wires? Might want to add that to your list of things to check/replace if necessary.

Lots of issues can cause "mysterious" power loss, some are easy to diagnose and some are not so easy.

I would start with the easiest ones and pressure test your intake and check for boost leaks. Then go from there.

Let us know what you find -- I'll bet there is more to your boost leak than just a cut BOV return hose.

 

[hereitcomes]

he was working with the plugs and experienced a power loss so its most likely tied into spark in the vehicle and not boost related. Sounds like a misfire.
Check the gap on the plugs and make sure the wires are connected all the way, on the plug itself and on the cap.
Also...make sure each plug is in the designated cylender. I dont even think it would run though if they were switched around. good luck man.

 

[Spyder50Trim]

Well if your knock sensor is leaking fluid... TIME to replace it.... Your ecu can be detecting fake knock and retarding timing causing your loss in perforance... It could just be Boost leak but either way DEFF replace the knock sensor.. Good job on replacing the Bov return line. When you Replaced the plugs did you Mix up any of the plug wires?


Let us know how things go after you do a boost leak test and get a new knock sensor. Also do a compression test... Maybe Hopefully not but maybe you droped something down in the cylinder. Good luck man Good job so far...

 

[spoolinNpullin]

Hey fella's, I think one of my problems were the plugs my buddy told me to put in ngk br7es. But extreme motorsports put bpr7es plugs in his car. There is a huge difference in heat. I just found out that my alternater is only putting out 10.3 volts so I am going to replace it and see what happens. I think that my spark is weak because of low voltage.




Al

 

[machv83]

U might have got the worng plugs if they are not gaped right u will lost power like crazey. i think the gap is 0.35 i have denso iranium ik 20 plugs and my 95 talon doesent miss a beat at 13 psi on 93 pump gas and about 2 gallons of 115 octane cam 2

 

[spoolinNpullin]

thanks man I deffinetly need an alternater. It died on me so i am getting a new one, also I have to get the 90amp one because that is what my car calls for. Oh well thanks.

 

[4BangerV8Killer]

Yes. Definately check for boost leaks and your gap for your spark plugs should be .028...you might want to try either bpr6es or bpr7es.

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[eclipse_20g]

On a side note, since you are new here, speaking in any way at all about racing on the street will get your thread shut-down immediately by the first mod that sees it. You mentioned about racing your buddy and you winning then him winning. Just a heads up so you'll know what to expect when a mod comes in. I wouldnt be surprised if this one actually got locked up whenever a mod comes passing by. Just leave any and all mentioning of street racing out of your posts and all will be good.