slow acceleration

[mai0f]

hey all, i bought an 87' 200sx about a month ago... i just needed something to get me to and from work..

when i slam on the accelerator it just does a slow, gradual accel....
i've changed spark plugs, oil, air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, distributor cap/rotor, plug wires, needed new battery....
i took the air flow sensor apart and cleaned it REALLY good,

anywho.... i dont know much about cars (yet), but if anyone has any suggestions, please post.....

thank much,
mai0f

[orestes]

i think you are just driving a slow car. but if you are really concerned get a compression test done.

[mai0f]

the thing is, there's no power whatsoever behind it when you stomp it...... it's like when you take off from a stop light when taking your drivers ed test with the instructor...

[SHIFT_KA24DE]

it is a 87 200sx. I don't think they were made that fast. Do you know what engine it has? the ca18, ca20 or (according to some internet sites... a 3.0 litre V6?!) wow a 3 liter? i'm not sure if tha'ts true but you should check. i think the ca20 only has about 100~ hp so there wouldn't be much of a punch anyway. plus, the car is really old... don't expect it to run like it did... 18 years ago...

[mai0f]

yeah, it's the CA20E.

[orestes]

CA20E: 1974cc Horsepower............................102@5200rpm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Torque................................116ft lbs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bore x stroke.........................3.33x 3.46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compression Ratio.....................8.5:1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Pressure(psi).....................57@4000rpm*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Camshaft lift .........................335intake,.374Exhaust


soooo yeah i dont really know how much throttle response you should be feeling...but again only real way to tell is compression test

[mai0f]

how would i go about doing a compression check??
each cylinder had 2 spark plugs....

does it matter what side ("intake" or "exhaust") i check it from??? they both go into the cyl,
i think the difference is that the "exhaust" burns like a fraction of a sec after the "intake" spark plug fires to better burn fuel......

not 100% sure about that explaination, but i know i'm 100% sure it's got 8 plugs, 4 "intake" 4 "exhaust"

thanks,
mai0f

[Hit_N_Run-player]

i think its dual ignition, not 1 intake and 1 exhaust. What is the point of putting a spark plug in your exhaust side? I would just take out the one closer to the intake to test it...

[nissanfanatic]

I don't think it will matter. Pressure is the same everywhere.

Those are pretty decent lift cams, but I bet duration is like 200* or so. You shoudl have a little pep in your step down low. I'd definately check compression.

[Hit_N_Run-player]

even if the car is low on the HP, you should still feel a bit of accel when you stomp it down. My moms sentra still gets up to go a little bit when i floor it. Check compression like everyone has said...

[mai0f]

i was looking at it today and noticed #3 fuel injector plug was not secured with those little metal clips that they use on the connectors... i unplugged it and the contacts wree corroded....
i bought some electrical cleaner from auto zone and cleaned it with a wire brush... now you can feel the accel.....
and you can hear the engine purr more than a putt putt putt putt putt like those OOOOOLLLLLLLLLDDDDD caddies.... lol..

anywho... i'm still gonna do the compression check hopefully this weekend....

thanks much for everything guys!! i appritiate it...

thanks much,
mai0f