Club 80-90 Forums

My Caravelle (auto) feels like its losing power while im in the middle of driving it.
It happen a while back and hasnt for a good 4 months, but drove to Devon and back from Hastings the weekend just gone and although it was really windy, when i was driving at around 65mph, it felt like someone was pushing it from the front to try to stop it driving.

You could feel almost lose power and even when my foot was down on the accelerator it kept holding back and slowing down, then almost pushing back into action as if someone had put a rocket up its bum!

The stereo was on, and the lights, and neither lost power while this was happening. It usually lasts for about 10 or so minutes, then its fine for about an hour, then it happens again.

I think i might have a fluid leak at the front - could this be auto transmission fluid? I havent checked. Could the power loss be something to do with the transmission failing?
Its drinking a lot of petrol too - could it be filters??

Any help really appreciated. Its actually cut out before now and its a bit scary whilst youre driving on a motorway!

Thanks all x

Hi Emma
first thoughts

1) brakes sticking - this can be intermittant but usually comes on gradually and gets worse. Drive around abit then (carefully!) touch metal of wheels to see if they are all equally warm. Brakes binding = they gonna get v hot.

however, more likely is

2) fuel probs:
contamination in tank (sludge/rust etc)
fuel filter blockage
fuel pipe blocked or kinked
carburettor needs cleaning (try those spray carb/choke cleaners)
fuel mixture needs resetting/checking
air filter fouled

3) ignition probs:
coil (not likely as they usually either work or dont!)
HT ignition leads breaking down (feel them - should be nice and supple, even when cold)
spark plugs fouled/wrong type/wrong temp plugs

you could also check the alternator connections - loose ones or bad earths play havoc with power delivery


It sounds like its a fuel delivery issue, but then, what would I know!

Your fluid leak at the FRONT could just be a weepy power steering box (assuming your Gucci van has PS?!) If so, try the STP (other brands available!) Power Steering Fluid with 'leak fix' - its brilliant!

Quick check would be to look at the PS fluid reservoir (dont know where it is as I dont have it!)

Good luck - keep us posted.
FW

Have to agree with fairy winds

fuel delivery..

you haven't said what engine it is..

that would affect the diagnosis

HI Fairwynds - hows it going?
Thanks so much for all that info - i really appreciate your help..
Im going to consider all of what you listed and really try to remedy it.

Yes my Gucci van does have PS!
Hi KevtheRev - again thanks also! Its a 2.1 fuel injected...