[tcb] Re: Sudden loss of power
- From: Steve-o <centraltexasautowerks@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "tcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <tcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 08:46:28 -0500
Sounds far worse than a simple head change. Drain the oil and take off the sump
plate. If the oil glitters and there's big metal nuggets in the screen and
plate you've spun a rod bearing. Your description is pretty spot on with that
situation.
Your diving conditions don't necessarily spell out why this happened but you
never know.
Oil change is easy and will tel you a lot.
On May 8, 2013, at 8:19 AM, Gerald Livingston <gerald.tcb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> OK, while I'm making coffee and getting my work day started and
> waiting for the engine to cool so I can check the valves and do a
> compression test y'all start throwing out causes for sudden loss of
> power that doesn't leave one stranded with catastrophic failure.
>
> The deets:
>
> Unknown engine, unknown miles.
> It's a 1500 or 1600 single port that supposedly had 3000 miles on a
> rebuild. I've put about 15,000 on it over the last 3 years
>
> Driving home via Wal-Mart last night. About 5 miles total. Last 2 miles
> includes a gentle grade with 60mph limit.
>
> Just as I started up the grade my engine sound changed and I started
> losing speed. I cannot pinpoint the nature of the audible change. I
> have stuff rattling in my sink and jalousies that need a seal
> freshening so there are other noises interfering.
>
> No smoke.
> No overheating. (oil temp gauge only, no CHT)
> No loss of oil pressure.
>
> I can run the rpm up with the clutch in but as soon as I let it out
> rotations drop and I putter off to a turtle's pace start. I can top out
> at 45mph in 3rd or 4th after about 3/4 of a mile on a dead level.
>
> This is currently my only vehicle. My son wrecked my backup a couple
> months ago and it's not back-up yet.
>
> So, I had to crank it back up this morning and drive it in to work,
> risking that catastrophic failure. Home to work without the side trip
> to the evil empire is about 2 miles of dead level all the lights are
> set for us commuters travel. I never spun it up hard and never went
> over 35 or so. It cranks and idles fine. Engine sound is still
> "different" and it still has no puling power.
>
> So, just throw out ideas.
>
> How much is it going to cost me if I need to replace two single port
> heads? If one has a wonky valve or seat I'd rather replace both at the
> same time, complete, rather than replacing a single valve, guide, or
> head.
>
> What's the rough cost of whatever other ideas you come up with?
>
> Any other details needed?
>
> Thanks,
>
> G2
>
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