Lack of power, slight miss

[wanbo]

Hello, I have an 89 festiva, fuel injected, auto tranny. I am having a problem with a lack of power after it warms up. When it's cold it starts right up and runs great for about a minute, then it gets a slight miss. When I drive it, it will not go over 45-50mph. I have changed plugs, wires, cap, rotor, O2 sensor, engine temp sensor, cleaned and checked battery and ground connections. The plugs look a little dark and glossy like it might be getting to much fuel. I had just purchased the car and the previous owner said he removed the cat converter and punched it out. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, great forum!

[freshtiva]

Welcome to the board ! Ive heard that some back pressure is needed for the engine to run properly, maybe the "punched out cat" is the culprit. Have you checked your fuel filter ? Where did you get that cool key fob in your avatar? I want one

[batstiva]

Where did you get that cool key fob in your avatar? I want one

There's usually one on ebay almost every time I check for Festiva stuff. :wink:

Course, my luck being what it is, there's not one on there now. :roll:

[wanbo]

I also changed the air filter and checked the fuel filter, I don't think it is clogged up, I can blow thru it pretty easy. Also changed the plugs again, the plugs I took out look just like the brand new ones, so I don't know that it is getting to much fuel or not enough. Would a punched out cat cause a lack of power? Thanks

[FestYboy]

Would a punched out cat cause a lack of power? Thanks

yes, due to lack of backpressure. your car being an auto needs the backpressure more than a manual car. replace the cat (they can be had for about $50 at any McAuto)

[freshtiva]

Now that the problems fixed lets get down to business, how much do you want for that key fob ? :lol: