Low power on 98 1.5L
 

Hi,
I have recently bough a PROTEGE ES 98, 1.5l, its got about 80,000 km(50,000 miles) on it. The problem is that the car seems heavy and accelerates very slowly, for example in a very lightly uphill road, I cant go faster than 90km/h (60mph). I checked the spark plug and the engine shouldnt have any problem. I am doubtful about the gas filter and spark wires!!
Thank you very much for your help.

RE: Low power on 98 1.5L
 

How does the engine idle? Is it rough and shaky? When vehicle feels low on power is it also running rough or just no go? Spark plug wires shorting or fuel filter restricted will tend to cause a missfire under load such as pulling a hill. Have seen a good number of power loss, rough run and unable to accelerate due to worn or burnt engine valves. Some to the point that are badly burnt. A compression test may point to this problem but a valve clearance check will definetly show if valves are worn. Standard compression is 195psi and minimum is 146psi. Valve clearance should be between .010" - .012". Valves that measure being very tight with either no or very little clearance would be suspect of having valve wear. Hope this is not the case because can be expensive.

RE: Low power on 98 1.5L
 

they just don't have much power, what I would recommend is what I did on my wifes 97 and mod the exhuast and intake. I gutted the second cat which won't make you throw a code, and installed a aftermarket muffler and left in the resonator because my wifes doesn't like a real loud exhuast. Then made my own custom air intake. Although it doesn't make that much more power, it helps out alot.

RE: Low power on 98 1.5L
 

I have a '97 LX so it only has 92 hp. Going up hills is a struggle and it's even wors with the A/C on. I've heard that the Tornado Fuel Saver does help increase power on most makes and models. That might be another avenue to explore too.

RE: Low power on 98 1.5L
 

Dude,
Read the top discussion by Bkey. It is the answer to your problem.