Lack of Power

Penguin · Post by **Penguin** » 02 Jul 2011, 14:38

Hi chaps

I noticed yesterday when driving that my Xant seems well down on power. It would rev freely in second gear but seemed to struggle in a higher gear. Was OK cruising along the Dual Carriageway at 3k revs but when inclines were encountered the power dropped off noticeably, changing down didn't do much. I know the Xant isn't exactly a rocketship but this was noticeably worse than usual. I changed the fuel filter this morning as it is a simple task but it hasn't helped. My wife has taken the car until tomorrow so I won't be able to do anything else this weekend but I just thought I would see if anyone had any ideas.

Cheers

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 02 Jul 2011, 14:41

Air ingress in the fuel lines and leak off pipes perhaps.
May even be a split in the boost pipe to the ufo on the top of the fuel pump.
How old is the air filter?

Penguin · Post by **Penguin** » 02 Jul 2011, 14:50

Fairly old on the air filter. Could it really have a significant effect?
Will have to check for any splits in the hoses when I get the car back.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 02 Jul 2011, 15:15

Yes, a clogged air filter can have an impact.

mendedit · Post by **mendedit** » 02 Jul 2011, 16:51

I have known a car to be stopped completely by a dirty air filter,
and it doesn't always look clogged,
Removing it and trying that hill again is the best way to test.
I have been known to wash a paper filter before and dry well, it works if strapped 4 cash! (short term)

rory_perrett · Post by **rory_perrett** » 02 Jul 2011, 18:09

Fuel filter as well, I couldn't believe the performance difference on my old BX when I change the fuel filter after it had been in a bit too long.

miked · Post by **miked** » 02 Jul 2011, 19:24

Another check to add to your list is all the 'big' hoses from turbo to intercooler and intercooler to inlet manifold.

Post by **RichardW** » 02 Jul 2011, 22:52

It will be either a split in the small hose that runs to the boost compensator on the pump, or one of the large boost pipes has come adrift. You usually notice the latter though, as it normally happens under boost load, and is accompanied by a loud pop, immediate loss of power, and then a throaty noise

scared the life out of me when it happened about 10 miles after a cambelt change....

Old-Guy · Post by **Old-Guy** » 02 Jul 2011, 23:04

I agree with Richard and Xac that from the symptoms you describe, a split in the boost sense pipe (from big turbo pipe to 'space-ship' (compensator) on injector pipe is the most likely. If a turbo pipe has come off you'd notice the extra noise. Do check the underside of the pipe. The tell-tale is a misterious slight oil leak around the top of the engine - caused by some of the oily crankcase vent gases escaping from the split.

Otherwise air or fuel filters - don't forget there's a fuel filter in the tank!

mendedit · Post by **mendedit** » 03 Jul 2011, 06:05

The brakes are coming off ok and not binding?
Just a thought

Penguin · Post by **Penguin** » 03 Jul 2011, 13:18

Rory, I have changed the fuel filter already.
Mendedit, I think the brakes are coming off OK, it seems to roll downhill OK.

Everyone else, I'll change the air filter when the wife gets the car to me this afternoon. I won;t have time to check the hoses today but will have a look after work tomorrow. Is it obvious which hoses to look at? Not really sure where the turbo is. Somewhere near the back??

Cheers all.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 03 Jul 2011, 14:02

Follow the vacuum pipe back from the top of the pump.

Peter

Penguin · Post by **Penguin** » 04 Jul 2011, 07:58

Thanks for the advice all. Air filter seems to have pretty much fixed it. Certainly MUCH better than it was.

Cheers!