1989 turbo targa loss of power

professorbob

New Member
May 24, 2010
11
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Lavonia
After restoration of engine, exhaust manifold gasket, vacuum hose, timing belt and numerous other redo's and refurbishing, we mated the newly rebuilt 4 speed automatic and reinstalled in the car. We were amazed that the engine started instantly after being out for over a year. I had drained the fuel tank and after a fill-up, the vehicle ran very well for about 120 miles until Saturday and down to just over 1/4 tank, and it developed a loss of power and funky shifting of the transmission. We were able to limp a couple of miles in low to the friend's home where we did the work to diagnose the problem. Engine would spool to 3-4 thousand and return to idle and then occasional just quit. Restarts are no problem and the engine appeared to operate normally until it is under load. Starts off in 1st but at about 2,000 rpm under load the engines sputters and dies before 2nd gear was reached.
Thinking fuel filter, as the vehicle had been sitting for several years, I installed a new fuel filter. The old filter was definitely dirty, however another road test revealed the problem was not solved.
I am concerned that I do not want to damage this new transmission rebuild because the car will not achieve enough speed to shift properly.

I understand that the fuel pump is dependent on the Cam Position Sensor as a safety issue. Just wondering about the fuel pump and if it has a strainer that could be clogged and if this may be causing the drop-off and intermittent stoppage that would also cause the pump to stop and thus a circular cycle of stoppage.

Also, is the turbo able to spool up when the engine is sped up without load? I noticed that the gauge indicates there is no turbo cutting in during these road test.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
 

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jetjock

creepy-ass cracka
Jul 11, 2005
9,439
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0
Redacted per Title 18 USC Section 798
1) No boost without load.

2) The pump has an inlet sock.

3) The engine would have to stop for the fuel pump to be shut down.

4) Fuel delivery can be quickly checked by doing a snap throttle test while monitoring fuel pressure with the regulator hose off. Alternately you can disconnect the return line and do a flow test. Either of those procedures would also have verified the fuel filter as being OK...
 

professorbob

New Member
May 24, 2010
11
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0
Lavonia
Thanks for the rapid reply.... I notice that the pump has an inspection plate next to the spare tire. Is it possible to remove the pump through this hole? Or is it necessary to remove the fuel tank?
 

professorbob

New Member
May 24, 2010
11
0
0
Lavonia
After installing new fuel filter and new Denso pump.... still no joy. Vehicle stars and idles find. Just as soon as you begin to move forward in first gear but act like it is about to quit at 1800 2000 rpm. Will not allow the transmission to upshift stumbles and falls back to idle and quits. IN neutral I can gradually increase rpm to 3 4 with only slight hesitations. All suggestion are appreciated, as I am getting Targa withdrawal.:)) Help....