No Power
 

When I start off in first, everthing is fine. When it shifts to second especially going up hill the engine lugs. It feels like it is gasping for air or fuel or something.

How do I test for what it is and how do I fix it?

Dave

Sounds like your shift points may need adjusting. Maybe the Bowden cable needs to be adjusted.

Thanks, I was thinking that I might have a full fuel filter, clogged injectors or a wacked turbo.

I have no idea what those things you said are but I will have them checked out.

Thanks again,

Dave

It's normal for these cars to be a little sluggish when they are cold. If the sluggishness goes away when warm it's normal, if it continues then you have another issue.

The bowden cable controls the RPM at which the transmission shifts. Generally as the car ages the shift points tend to get lower and lower. Adjusting the bowden cable allows you to get the shift points back to where they should be. The is a cable attached the top of the valve cover that drops down to the trans. There is an adjusting nut on the end of the cable. Try some searching here for which way adjusts the shift points up.

A clogged fuel filter generally manifests itself when going up hills, but if you filter is really clogged you won't even have to do that to feel the affects. I would change both fuel filters and see what happens.

Another thing to check are the banjo bolts. There are two, one is on the top of the injection pump. The other is on the back of the intake manifold. They both have clear or yellowed hard plastic lines. Remove the bolt and clean the bolt and inside of the banjo part. They get clogged with carbon. It another common thing that reduces power.

You certainly could have a clogged secondary filter or a turbo that is not providing proper boost. Lack of horsepower can be caused by many different issues including late IP timing and/or late camshaft timing.

I have the same exact problem cart is fine in first and second then in third it becomes a dog till it gets into over drive and it moves past 35-40mph

I try not to push past the 2500rpm range and I cant hear the turbo spool till about 3000 rpm if I push it further

There's your problem. The turbo is just starting to spool up at 2500 rpm's.

ok I am glad its ok and its my own fault, I rather be saving my mpg than getting some where faster

You are not saving anything by keeping out of the turbo. You will get better MPG by using the car like it was designed to be used.

So you saying I should push it a bit more than 2500rpm then ?

Yes. All the heat and energy of the exhaust is being lost unless you utilize it with the turbo. Be green, use your turbo. Especially in Denver. Using the turbo essentially takes you back down to sea level without having to drive 1500 miles.

Doesnt the torque curve peak b/w 2000 and 2500? Why does summoning the turbo improve mpg?