2.3-16v Weird Power Loss
 

Hi all - I've posted this on other forums, but to no avail... so your turn, see if you can figure this one out.

1986 UK 2.3-16v Manual c/w 84,000 miles
Running on 98RON Fuel, with octane booster

It just won't make power - runs as sweet as a nut, doesn't miss, lurch or anything. Really reluctant to rev and is probably producing less than 100bhp.

I've done the following:

New Fuel Distributor (which made it better)
New Fuel Lines to Injectors
New Injectors
New Air Temp Sensor
New Coil
New Dizzy Cap
New Rotor Arm
New HT & King Leads
New Fuel Filter


Compression fine
Valve clearances bang on


Any clues? as this is starting to cost a lost of money!

Thanks

Dunk

Is your car equipped with a catalytic converter?? & have you had the valve cover off to inspect the camshaft timming?

Check if the throtle cable is adjusted properly and if the throtle plate opens fully when the pedal is depressed all the way. How is the air filter?

Its a non CAT car - I must stress that everything is in excellent working order, the exhaust is sealed, no cracks in the manifold etc.

New Air Filter
The swing plate that acts on the underside of the fuel distributor works properly, the actual throttle body is fine,

Cam timing?

Hmm - is it like to have gone slack? what should the timing be? Its on its original chain and tensioner.

I was thinking it was more likely the fuel pump or fuel pump relays

16V engines had timing chain tensioner problems until the 2.5 engine came out in 1988. The chain can jump 1 tooth & still run but will not have any real power.
The cam gears each have a timing alignment hole & they will align at TDC.

Thanks - I'll get it checked out!

Dunk