loss of power

[never look back]

Hi everyone.
been for a run out today easter monday. after a short distance, I noticed a loss of pulling power on my T25 1913cc petrol water cooled dg engine.
(feels like it is running with ignition retarded) I have not been tinkering about.
engine starts OK and ticks over roughly. there is no loss of coolant and no smoke.......exhaust tail pipe does look sooty but as I have said there is no smoke that I can see.
completed our journey with a struggle, and temperature stayed normal.
Couldnt get to engine compartment because of camping gear etc. so will have a good look tomorrow hopefully.
Anybody got any ideas were i might start checking/looking.
your input will be appreciated

den

[never look back]

would invite anyones thoughts
den

[avant-garde]

Hi, I've got the same problem with my 2.0L CU engine. Could be fuel starvation!

[matt]

When Did it last have a Basic Service ?

[kevtherev]

Poor or erratic idle

Air filter clogged
Vacuum leak at the inlet manifold or associated hoses
plug gap incorrect
low cylinder compression

engine lacks power

Timing incorrect
Choked fuel filter
fuel pump faulty or pushrod worn out
plug gap incorrect
Vacuum leak..blah blah
clutch slip
brakes binding

[never look back]

hi guys
vans last service was approx oct last year.
the problem is definately NOT brakes binding/clutch slipping etc.

This feels like it is only running on 3 cylinders which gives it the feeling of retarded ignition when accelerator is pressed and power is needed. :
and of course on tick over it is shaking about
den

[kevtherev]

cap and leads need renewing... to add to the list

I would work down it eliminating each suspect

[never look back]

caps and leads sounds good.

will get to look asap and keep everyone updated.
den

[kevtherev]

...and the other reasons have been checked and are OK?

[never look back]

No kev..... I'm grasping at the easy solution until I can lift the lid lol!
she is in good condition , and I drive it with a light foot, so I am hoping its an easy job rather than surgery.
den

[kevtherev]

Oh I see might aswell change the air filter then if it hasn't already.

and look to see if any vacuum hoses have rotted or come off

[Brett-Aircooled]

too much fuel can cause the same simptoms as fuel starvation ? on the CU engine ( which I have ) I checked the following in this order,
vacum leaks in inlets, and all hoses,
check all wires
timing 5 degrees after TDC with vac hoses on and idle stabiliser disconnected and plugged together this is at 850 rpm manual 950 on an auto,
alternatively disconnect the vacum on the retard side on the dizzy and set to 7.5 degrees after TDC at same RPMs,( on the CU there is 11 - 13 degrees of retard at idle)
whilst tiking over pull the advance vacum pipe off the dizzy and check for vacum, there should NOT be any if there is then the carbs are set up wrong, try the other carb if none then use that one instead but this wont totally fix it, youll still need to adjust the throttle plate on the bad carb.
Balance the carbs using a snail balancer do this at 2000 rpm then 1600 then 1200 or something like that
disconnect both pipes from the dizzy and plug the hoses with something
rev the engine to 1600 rpm timong scould be 21 degrees
rev the engine to 3400 rpm timing should be 32 degrees

I have been scratching my head for over a year and it still dont run right and uses troo much fuel,

[Hacksawbob]

try pulling off each lead in turn (rubber glove or pliers recommended) and see if idle changes significantly