Passat has anchor attached

[dog1]

1999 Passat 1.8T automatic just will not run the way it use too. I believe the tension arm for the cam chain is noise and the gaskit should be replaced, but even for 120,000+ I should have a lot more power. I noticed that the tranny will drop two gears were it need to drop only one before. I've replaced my plugs, fuel filter, and air filter. Nothing. I asked my mech. if the catilitic converter might be clogged. He stated that it didn't appear so due to the lack of noise. I asked about the turbo. He states again, that it sounded fine.

I normally use high octain gas 92+
I noticed that I getting oil on the sheath under the engine.

[boschmann]

I'd find someone who can check the cat by checking the exhaust backpressure (easiest to do through the oxygen sensor port) since they can get clogged w/o breaking up & rattling. A clogged cat usually would have made the exhaust sound different (especially at high RPM's), but it could have changed slowly & you don't notice it. It could also have a turbo problem even if it sounds fine. Verify the oil leak isn't coming from there - also look for it pumping oil into the air intake system.