Engine power

[kev706]

Hi all, my work mate has a 1992 2.1 german import T25. His engine will start fine and after a short time theres no power, puts foot on accelerator but will only go to 1500rpm, take foot off and engine cuts out. Restart its ok for a while and then plays up again. Where should he look first. Thanks in advance.

[andisnewsyncro]

Is this the same van that's got the engine with the frozen coolant?

[kev706]

Yes same van but the power problem was there before the big freeze.

[Aidan]

ok from the top again, which engine ? 2.1s come in a few flavours and engine code would help to advise on where to go

but if it's an MV then the digifant training manual download from the vanagon forum will give you a step by step engine diagnostics procedure which should show up any issues with that particular engine variant

can you rev the engine at the throttle body but not with the accelerator pedal ? if so the cable issue perhaps

next if not then does the idle switch do it's job, you should be able to hear a click as it goes to idle position, click as it comes off idle position and click as it reaches full throttle, you can check that with engine off by moving the throttle body arm that the accelerator cable connects to - I ask this because lots of DJ engines with dodgy idle control get messed with to make them idle/run and if the basic settings aren't correct then diagnostics can be totally hit and miss
if clicking the a quick continuity check on the 2 pin connector on top of rh inlet manifold will show that the clicking switch is doing it's job and telling the idle management to manage idle, ie keep it running at 850-950 rpm regardless of other inputs

[billy739]

blocked exhaust or fuel filter?

pump low pressure?