94 metro 1.0 terrible acceleration

[small11]

I recently purchased a '94 Metro 1.0L. Shortly after I purchased the car, I replaced the head (purchased complete assy) due to burnt valves. The problem is that, even with a new head (and valves) the acceleration is horrible, and getting worse. Also, the car will suddenly stall, on occasion, when I attempt to accelerate from a dead stop. Often times I hear a 'click' when the car stalls...but not always.
Once I'm at 55 mph, The car goes down the road rather well. It's just the 3 minutes (slight exaggeration) it takes me to get to 55 that bothers me . Thoughts??? I'd appreciate any help you could offer.

[Crvett69]

are you sure you got the timing belt on right, if its off a tooth you will have bad power. also check compression and have you given it a tune up?

[small11]

Crvett - Thanks for the advice. I haven't had a chance (yet) to check the timing or compression, but I've never given it a tune-up. I just got the car recently, but I'll do that this weekend. Another bit of info...If I press the accelerator pedal too hard starting out, the car really does not want to accelerate. It appears to want to accelerate (like it should) starting around 35 mph.

[RossT]

Pull your timeing belt cover off and make sure both the cam and crank sprockets point up at the same time. This will confrim if you are off a tooth or not. Then time the car:

http://www.teamswift.net/viewtopic.php?t=18091

also check to make sure all your vacuum hoses are hooked up correctly. look at emissions label underhood.

Also could be a bad MAP or TPS sensor

or clogged cat.

Also make sure you have good fuel pressure!! My 91 had a pump that wasn't putting out enough and it ran OK but would hardly make it up steep hills!!

[small11]

RossT - Thanks for the advice and the link to the excellent thread on checking the timing. The vacuum hoses all seem to be properly attached. I've checked the timing and it is within spec (5 btc). Next question (please keep in mind that I am new to being a home garage mechanic...but loving it): I didn't pull the timing belt cover to check the alignment of the crank and cam shafts. Can the timing check OK even if they are not aligned? I guess I don't want to pull the cover off if I don't have to. Thanks again for helping 'the rookie'.

[pspringe]

There are two different "timings" on the motor.

The link was to check you ignition timing. That's when the spark fires in relation to the pistons position.

You NEED to pull the timing cover to check the valve timing (when the valves move in relation to the pistons). From what you said, I think you timing is off here. Do you have a service manual? I bought the factory manual off ebay as soon as I got my car and I am very glad I did. Especially for new mechanics, it's great to have. Some get just a Haynes or Chilton, but I've always gone with the FSM.