Has my van lost its 'ooomph'

[timjwharton]

OK, have had my beloved 1989 T25 Autosleeper Trident restored. (My ex-wife had it for seven years or so and it's now officially mine again.)
I've just got back from a lovely 350 mile round trip and the van was great. EXCEPT... am I imagining things or has it lost its 'ooomph'? It has the 2.1 fuel injected engine and I recall it being pretty darn nippy when required. Don't get me wrong, I'm quite happy to tootle with the lorries but now and again over the past week it's really struggled (with hills in particular). Even on a fairly gentle incline on a dual carriageway I would have to shift down into 4th or 3rd and barely get past 50mph. On one (not too steep) hill in Dorset I even had to change down into second...

I know I'm not giving too much detail here, and the specifics are tricky, but does this sound right? Or is my memory playing tricks on me (and it's always been like that)?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Tim

[California Dreamin]

There isn't a great deal going to affect performance: timing but then that never changes as it's electronic, fuel filter blocked, however, there would be distinct hesitation, air filter flocked ...possible, tappets but they are self adjusting hydraulic type. Vacuum advance issue, maybe.
Give her a good service paying particular attention to the air filter and vacuum advance unit.

Martin

[CovKid]

Don't forget, to get any reasonable performance its all about gear changing anyway. Hit the right gear at the right time and they can fly. Well, mine does anyway and its only a 1.9

[timjwharton]

Thanks guys. Yep, a service it will be (post summer). And to be honest, it may well be that I've lost my 'ooomph' a bit too (i.e. lost the knack...)!
I plan on getting it back...

[tonytech]

Also worth checking your tyre pressures are ok and the brakes arnt binding.
My 2.1 (auto) noncamper takes most hills in its stride.

T

[timjwharton]

Ill-fitting hose between fuel filter and fuel pump. Must have been slowly getting worse until Sunday, when I could smell petrol and see a tiny bit on the outside of the filter.
Drive to work this morning and 'ooomph' is well and truly back!