1996 855R WOT lacking power Topic is solved

[rspi]

I only use Volvo plugs and have never had a problem, even when I put 50,000 on them. So, I'm with Justin, change the plugs and do use anti-seize. The last set I pulled I was afraid they were cross threaded because they were so hard to come out.

[matthew1]

Appropriate, that or the next one, the short/fat one that connects to the manifold:







I don't know if it collapses, but mine slipped partway off once, and the unmetered air caused drivability to be almost nil. So not identical to your problem, but close enough to merit checking it out. You can rev the engine by turning the throttle cam (cam?), that large circular piece on the left of the third photo above. You'll be able to see and feel hoses collapse when the revs go up.

Be careful of the fan! Wear eye protection and gloves.

[appropriatenoises]

Thanks Matt. I've definitely done that. The "hose" you point to is soft, but not leaking or collapsing. My plan of attack is going to be to change the spark plugs (cheap'o copper) properly gapped, then if that doesn't fix it, do the IPD or Samco intercooler hose kit - and just replace all of them at the same time.

I'll post again when I've done the plugs.
Thanks.

[gswede]

Is your tcv working properly, has it ever been changed? Platinums..hmm not the best choice for these motors, have you checked the gap on those?

Make sure the coilwire (from coil to distributor) is not too close to either the maf cable or the cam sensor wire.

[appropriatenoises]

Problem Persists.

Changed the plugs out to iridium 6418's on the advice of another forum member (northernlights). BCS/TCV is stock, and I will take a close look at the coil wires path to the distributor.

Thanks all for your helpful and polite responses. I'm learning a lot. I appreciate it.

[appropriatenoises]

Alright... I'm going to mark this problem as solved!! WHOHOO!

I've been putting off adjusting the wastegate actuator for over a year now (didn't want to pay $65 for the "tool" from IPD). Recently bought a manometer from Canadian Tire to sort out some other vacuum issues.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

My wife's a nurse, so her blood pressure gauge came in handy! took the ball pump, ran the vacuum gauge off a tee joint and onto the actuator.

Turns out, the actuator was set close to 6 psi. Holy shznit. Backed it off to 2-ish psi and WOW, what a difference! Car feels a little more like a "turbo" - I feel the lag more - but that's much better than bending a rod, right!?

And no more stutter at WOT.

[matthew1]

Steve, thanks for posting the solution. Good work tracking that down.