Experiencing Low Pulling Power

[Explorer]

I recently bought a NISSAN N16 (1600 cc, manual transmission) and the pulling power was quite OK. I have done a full service from Pitstop recently after that I'm experiencing very low pulling power. I have to press the accelerator to its max to reach 2000 RPM even in 2nd. In the service only additional thing they did from a standard service was an engine flush. Any ideas on what should I check?

[Elvis_Pil]

Assuming you mean acceleration. Take it to a mechanic and get the spark plugs and electricals checked- if the engine bay was washed during the service.

[The Don]

I recently bought a NISSAN N16 (1600 cc, manual transmission) and the pulling power was quite OK. I have done a full service from Pitstop recently after that I'm experiencing very low pulling power. I have to press the accelerator to its max to reach 2000 RPM even in 2nd. In the service only additional thing they did from a standard service was an engine flush. Any ideas on what should I check?

Like Elvis Pil said, check your ignition system and the fuel system for blockages. Also check the clutch and the pressure plate, and failing which take it to A*W and ask them to plug the car to their diagnostic system to check for electronic problems.

Is your check engine light on ?

[MiraOwner]

Good lesson to everyone reading this. engine 'flush' is a big no no for an old car. because the detergents used could break apart all the stuff that are deposited over the years in the internals and go in to some god forsaken place and block important arteries of the engine. luckily your's is still running some have experienced total engine failures due to 'flushing'.

best way to clean up an old engine is to change oil more frequently. maybe every 3000 Km for about 3-4 times.

[The Don]

Good lesson to everyone reading this. engine 'flush' is a big no no for an old car. because the detergents used could break apart all the stuff that are deposited over the years in the internals and go in to some god forsaken place and block important arteries of the engine. luckily your's is still running some have experienced total engine failures due to 'flushing'.

best way to clean up an old engine is to change oil more frequently. maybe every 3000 Km for about 3-4 times.

Well there are two types of flushes in question, fuel system cleaners and engine oil flush. Now fuel system cleaners usually don't result in what you mention since if there deposits of the nature you mention then the car would probably have stopped working a while back. Engine oil flushes, could cause the above, but most of them dissolve sludge rather than break them apart so does not usually end up blocking anything (unless you use a really bad quality one). I would only advise using an engine oil flush if you have recently inherited a car whose previous owner has not done the oil service at proper intervals.

Particularly in cars which use hydraulic tappets, you have to flush the engine out from time to time to ensure good oil pressure as the tappets rely on oil pressure and become noisy if the oil lines are blocked.

Now radiator flush, now that can have interesting side effects. Flushing away sludge could result in leaks that did not exist before

I don't think the flush has caused the problem he mentions

[toyota sucks]

1st thing check if they filled oil accurately

if they didn't put oil or overfilled this could happen.

or sometimes the filter could be clogged.

[Shehan_WCC]

Hmm check the electricals

but before anything check the airfilters and fuel lines for blockage.

If that is not the case probably some electronic fault of the sensors

[Ripper]

word of advice...don't take up those pitstop offers to do other services like engine flushing etc.

they are only out to make a buck and not really interested in your vehicle.

I was servicing the ford there until very recently but got sick of their constant nagging to do other things like flushes etc.

So i've stopped going there are doing my own thing at a smaller place. Takes more effort cos you have to be there to make sure everything goes ok

take the ipod and smuggle a few beers cans and you're good for a few hours

on topic....

I'd go with elvis pil. possibly water would've got into your ignition system or something might have come loose.

my guess is that one of the plug tops might have got loose and one cylinder might not be firing peoperly if at all. has happened to me once.

[Explorer]

Like Elvis Pil said, check your ignition system and the fuel system for blockages. Also check the clutch and the pressure plate, and failing which take it to A*W and ask them to plug the car to their diagnostic system to check for electronic problems.

Is your check engine light on ?

Check-engine is not on. I'm planning to take it a mechanic tomorrow.

[SeanD]

What the hell is up with pitstop and their "engine flush" ? There are quite a few posts on the forum if you search that mentioned perfectly good cars that have been screwed up by their "engine flush". Someone really needs to sue them.

[Explorer]

I took the car to Alawatta Associates (Battaramulla) this morning, and they inspected it and cleaned the air flow sensor (free of charge ). Problem was 75% solved by that, also they recommended to do a engine tuneup.

Then I took it to A*W for an inspection and they told me a tuneup is not necessary (after inspecting it plugged to their diagnostic devices) but my plugs needs to be replaced. Did the plug replacement, "for the moment" problem seems to be solved (this comment is based on a drive of ~10 KMs from A*W).

[The Don]

I took the car to Alawatta Associates (Battaramulla) this morning, and they inspected it and cleaned the air flow sensor (free of charge ). Problem was 75% solved by that, also they recommended to do a engine tuneup.

Then I took it to A*W for an inspection and they told me a tuneup is not necessary (after inspecting it plugged to their diagnostic devices) but my plugs needs to be replaced. Did the plug replacement, "for the moment" problem seems to be solved (this comment is based on a drive of ~10 KMs from A*W).

I think it was probably the plugs all along. I'm glad to hear the problem is sorted ! Also this concept of tune ups doesn't actually exist in modern cars as their ecus are intelligent enough to tune the car as you go along. You just need to take care of sensors, and routine maintenance.

I had a similar problem for a while now, and even a plug replacement didn't resolve it. Out of curiosity I took the new plugs out and inspected the model. Turns out they were the wrong type for my car, and the mistake had happened the time before, and thanks to that my mechanic had brought the wrong plugs this time as well. The irony is that when I went to get the proper plugs, the chap at the parts shop argued with me telling me that the Mitsubishi genuine plug should be the correct one and should fit my car as well ! Told him to get the NGK catalogue and he had to accept his mistake.

Edited May 22, 2011 by The Don

[Shehan_WCC]

I took the car to Alawatta Associates (Battaramulla) this morning, and they inspected it and cleaned the air flow sensor (free of charge ). Problem was 75% solved by that, also they recommended to do a engine tuneup.

Then I took it to A*W for an inspection and they told me a tuneup is not necessary (after inspecting it plugged to their diagnostic devices) but my plugs needs to be replaced. Did the plug replacement, "for the moment" problem seems to be solved (this comment is based on a drive of ~10 KMs from A*W).

cheers to that !!.

At least you got your car fixed.