konroh

Hi all,

So i finally got my car assembled again with the new opti...it started up just fine, idled ok, and seemed to rev ok, but when i went for a test drive it had almost zero power off the line up to about 3k rpm...after that it has decent power but not as strong as usual. The only thing i can think of is that i put the new timing gear on 1 tooth off. :mad

Would that cause the symptoms i am seeing? i don't want to take it all back apart if that isn't the problem, and if you don't think that's whats wrong then let me know what it could be...i just want to drive the car, it's been in the garage too long!!!

thanks in advance
:cheers:

Ricks1989Roadster

Konroh, I've seen/had this happen before. There is a good possibility that you are off by one tooth on the timing gear. Your symptoms seem to indicate that. Of course, there may be other opinions from more experienced members.

konroh

let me add some details...

i converted my 94 to use a 95 opti...i replaced the water pump with a meziere unit, changed out the timing cover, the cam timing gear (larger hole in the center) i had to trim the pin on the back of the opti to fit with the 94 style cam, i replaced the cam dowel pin, spark plug wires, put in a 95 style opti wiring harness...so the only thing i can think of is being off by a tooth on the timing chain when i reassembled it...this will teach me to double check my work!!! :smash: :smash: :smash:

konroh

thanks for the info...oh well, i guess i am getting pretty good at pulling the front of the engine apart!! i really hope this is all that is wrong, i can fix this without spending any more cash!!!
:cheers:

SPD DMN

Recheck your plug wire routings. I have gotten them mixed up and it runs pretty decent above 3k, idles fine, but has no power.

Best to look it up, but I think it is...
Drivers side from bottom, 1, 7, 3, 5
Passenger side from bottom 2, 8, 6, 4

Nathan Plemons

Absolutely check your plug wires. I usually get 5 & 7 crossed. They are so close in firing order that it will still run, just badly. Make sure all of your plug wires are seated. If they are all on properly but one is off it can cause crap. Also double check that your rockers aren't too tight. If you can loosen them to where they are just barely too loose you can see if your power comes back. If so then you just need to tighten them down until quiet.

After you check all of that and it doesn't help, pull the cover back off and look at the timing set. I know it sucks but it happens. I did it myself and was very much pissed that I could have been so foolish as to put it together out of time. If I could have kicked my own butt I would have.


[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 11:12 AM 8/27/2002]

konroh

thanks for the responses!! i will check out the plug wires tonight...i would be beyond thrilled if that was the problem!!!
:cheers:

konroh

well, the plugs wires look fine... :smash: would have been nice if that was it.

One other question: is there any difference in the wiring of the new style opti harness vs the old one? i had to grind down a plastic ridge in the connector to make it plug where the old one did under the cover on my engine. If they are the same (and i would think they are since it started), then i guess i have my project for the next couple nights!!

James94LT1

I may be having a similar problem myself, your headers don't glow do they?
If you have headers?!? Mine are and I am trying to figure it out!

konroh

not that i noticed...i let it idle in the garage to about 200 degrees to make sure the electric water pump worked, but i never really paid any attention to them...

btw i just have the stock headers on the car, nothing aftermarket yet!!

SPD DMN

I am out of ideas without pulling it back apart to check everything.