acceleration problem

[potroast]

hello, I think I've got a problem with my volvo. If I drive normally, which is to get maximum mpg, I notice the engine goes to 1500 RPM easily, then struggles for a few seconds, then climbs well after that. This 1500 RPM struggle concerns me because I own 2 volvos, and my other one doesn't do this (same engine). The idle was also a little rough. I just changed out the spark plugs today, and the idle has returned to a silky-smooth feeling... The 1500 RPM problem has also decreased from an "oh my god, I don't know if the car is gonna stall" feeling to still being a concern, but I know it's gonna get me where I need to go. I've arranged a time for me to have my mechanic take a look, but that's not until wednesday.

I feel it's important to mention that I have a squeeking noise that sounds like a loose belt, or that it's slipping. Also, if I decide to drive in a more "sporty" fashion, it runs great. Acceleration is smooth, and performance is primo... The problem is only when I drive to make my wallet happy at the pump.

Suggestions or comments as to what the problem could be are welcome.

Fwiw, I'm using Mobil-1 synthetic, and it was just changed.

[potroast]

the problem has gone away after I did the following:

* installed new spark plugs, gapped to 0.028. The plugs I pulled out had been worn down to 2.5 times the recommended gap.

* cleaned the throttle body with Simple Green

* Removed wheels, applied break cleaner, replaced wheels and torqued to spec.

I don't know if it was one of those three that fixed it, or a combination, or simply a coincidence, but it runs silky-smooth now. My theory is that replacing the plugs was the solution, then there was some buildup from the old, bad plugs that had to get burned off.

I'm still taking it to my mechanic tomorrow morning so that he can give it the once-over, and hopefully give it his blessing.

[matthew1]

Glad to hear it's better, Potroast. Thanks for the followup!