Power Loss

[e30fr3@k]

i've owned my 1989 325i for a little over a year now. up until about three months ago, i could chirp in second gear. but now it seems that i've lost some power (somehow), because the rear wheels stick firm to the ground in the 1st-to-2nd transition. my car also makes a wierd "sucking" sound which occurs about 3-4 times per second, particularly when the car is first warming up. any idea why it seems that i've lost power? is this new sound related to the loss? thanks

 

[frolf]

any chance your tires are down below 4/32? could be getting more grip than expected. just a thought.

 

[e30fr3@k]

hmmm

just inflated them about 5000 miles ago...maybe i just haven't pushed it hard enough...i should race more

 

[wood_e]

The ability to chirp your tires varies with temperature as well. I suggest you run internal diagnostics through the ECU in order to determine if any sensor is causing a fault. Your check engine light does not have to come on for some codes to be thrown.

Check your intake and air flow sensor for dirt and debris, clean your throttle body as well...

 

[e30fr3@k]

wow

so much information...i'm a car n00b. big time. i just cleaned my filter and there's no sign of dirt or debris in there. as far as the throttle body is concerned, i gotta look in my manual on how to do that, but thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Kirby]

Where is the sucking noise coming from? Under the hood, or dash? If so, look for a loose or cracked vacuum line. That would cause a sucking noise and loss of power.

 

[e30fr3@k]

sound is coming from under the hood. if you're looking at the front end of the car, the sound seems to come from below the head unit level, and just to the left. i have no idea what it is, but i know my hoses are older that god. i was told they were original, but the same dousche who told me that also told me my belts (which last 20k max) were also original. time to replace the hoses, i suppose

 

[wood_e]

To check for vacuum leaks spray the hoses with carb cleaner and see if it gets sucked in. If it gets sucked in the car may suptter a bit. Then you know you have a leak.

 

[e30fr3@k]

you wan't me to take advice from someone who drives a ford?!!? just kidding man, thanks for the advice