Engine issue with low power (deceleration) going uphill

[joeydoey]

Hi All!

I have a Festiva '89 (2bbl, 4gear manual, L model. last year I posted another engine question). The issue with the engine is this: when driving uphill (e.g. a gradual 6% grade), it decelerates gradually if I am driving with a good initial speed before hitting the hill (e.g. say at 50mph, it goes down to 25-30mph), it is even worse over sharp inclines with initial low speed (10-20mph -> 5mph). It is worse yet, when starting at the bottom of a hill say with 30 deg incline, it does not want to go!!

The story is long as how it ended up like this, but a tuneup expert tuned up the engine performance (the carb, the knobs for engine rpm, etc, NOT changing spark plugs or oil) when it was way out of tune, but basically he did not check for engine power when a hill is hit (note I have foot on the pedal close to the floor even when it is decelerating!). When car clears the hill (say the road becomes flat or downhill), then it accelerates and regains its speed.

I need to know what some of the causes of this situation may be (I guess it is throttling somehow, but if so, why?). Any suggestions, ideas or questions that may solve this mystery and how to go about fixing it are most appreciated. I will check responses here.

Thanks!
Joe

[FestYboy]

plugs, wires and performance coil should fix this. (my experiance)

[doylerl]

My '89 is exactly the same way. I just listen to the people honking behind me and deal with it... haha... if you do end up getting it fixed, I would like to know, so I can fix mine as well. The above list has been done to mine with no help.

[Pu241]

I'm thinking timing might be an issue!
Might want to check base timing before attempting adjustment of the distributor.
How many miles on the engine/timing belt?

[doylerl]

162,000 on mine, but I'm not sure when the belt was replaced.

[FestYboy]

you're using a performance coil?

[doylerl]

I don't know if it's "performance" but it is new.

[FestYboy]

if it doesn't say MSD or Accell, or some other variation, then you may not be getting sufficient voltage to the plug or the longer durration needed for the extra ethanol in the fuel. just a thought.

Joey, how is the flat road acceleration?

[Pu241]

Have either of you pulled the timing belt cover off and checked that at top dead center on cylinder one that the timing marks line up?
This is a place to start, need to see that base timing is correct first.

[i218127]

Agree with FestYboy. Plugs and wires are a good start. Also agree with coil replacement. Coils get hot and break-down. A cheap air filter will help. Also with a carb, run some Gumout down the carb inlet. Run the engine fast then slowly dump the Gumout down the carb. It'll stumble and shake, but keep it running. When your done, it'll purr. Do the Gumout BEFORE you replace the plugs. The engine will spit all kinds of cra_ on the old plugs durring the operation. You want to take all that old cra_ OUT after your done.

Gap the plugs carefully. Use good plugs not el-cheapos. Remember, you want a good solid, consistantly strong spark in the engine. For my money, single Platinums are the ticket. But others disagree. Spend a dollar more and save on gas consistantly. You chose the brand you like. This is only a recommendation.

That's GUMOUT for CARB engines. You probably know, but have to say it.

These engines PURRRRR when they're right!!!

"Drive On...ARMY"

[FestYboy]

Have either of you pulled the timing belt cover off and checked that at top dead center on cylinder one that the timing marks line up?
This is a place to start, need to see that base timing is correct first.

this is true. reading the plugs would also be a place to start. Heck, why not do both?!

[doylerl]

I changed plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, and O2 sensor on the engine, and I was told the coil was new when I got the car. I have not had the timing cover off, but I will look into it tomorrow. Thanks for the tips!

[i218127]

Make sure that your throttle plate inside the carb is wide open when you floor it. Sometimes the cable "slips". If you do it by hand you'll never see it. Have someone floor it while YOU look. Make sure ALL plates are to the full stop position. (Old Hot Rodding Check) Also, check for obstructions under the throttle pedal that prevent the pedal from going all the way to the floor. Excess floor mats, thick rugs, bent throttle connectors.

"Drive On ARMY"

[joeydoey]

plugs, wires and performance coil should fix this. (my experiance)

The car has 164K. When changed the distrib last year (per last year's post), the plugs (good ones) changed by the same tuneup expert guy, not wires. I changed the coil (not performance or anything, just an after-market replacement) at the same time, distrib cap was replaced, but none of those were the reason at first, the original distrib had full breakdown.

I have not changed the timing belt yet, the original!! Accelartion is kind of okay on the flat FestBoy, as speed goes up. I personally think the timing is off because the distrib is slightly off. But, why the speed-up happens after clearing an incline?

Thanks,
Joe

[WmWatt]

Is the engine missing? See if just cleaning the ignition wires, sparkplugs, and distributor cap makes any difference. Oh, and check the qap on the plugs. No money spent.