major power loss

[laserloser2]

For about 2 months now my car just doesnt have the balls that it used too. I have done everything I can think of to try and fix it I replaced all my filters, spark plugs, and my cat. Nothing seems to have helped....It has 92,000 on it and used to run like a champ! Got any ideas???

[Ravq]

You running premium gas?

[laserloser2]

Yeah i run high test all the time.... I deliver pizza tho and do alot of idling might that have something to do with it?

[Ravq]

Probably not. You'd have problems with overheating if it were idling too much.

[Ravq]

No engine light? You could try a compression test to see if you're are losing it somewhere. I'm just tossing suggestions up in the air. Did your car show any bad symptoms or have any major repairs lately?

[laserloser2]

a friend of mine suggested that maybe my timing chain has streched anybody else had any experience with that? I checked my compression today and it was between 180-190 is that good?

[Ravq]

I doubt it's the chain. You'd probably notice the sound it makes when it's bad. You can check it with a short length of tubing used as a stethoscope. You may pick up something abnormal sounding. As for the compression let me look in the repair manual to see if that is normal.

[Ravq]

What year is your car?

[Ravq]

Here is a quote from my Chilton manual pgs. 3-58 - 3-59:
Compare the highest readings from each cylinder to that of the others. The indicated compression pressures are considered within spec if the lowest reading cylinder is within 75 percent of the pressure from the highest reading cylinder. For example, if your highest reading cylinder pressure was 150psi, then 75 percent of that would be 113 psi. So the lowest reading cylinder should be no less than that.

If a cylinder exhibits an unusually low compression reading, pour a tablespoon of clean engine oil into the cylinder throuth the spark plug hole and repeat compression test. If the compression rises after adding oil, it means the cylinder's piston rings and/or bore are damaged or worn. If the pressure remains low the valves may not be seating properly or the head gasket may be blown near that cylinder.........

[laserloser2]

My car is a 95 and my highest comp reading was 190 and lowest was 180 so i should be fine

[laserloser2]

any other ideas?

[Ravq]

Not yet but I'll let you know if i think of anything else.

[Ravq]

Try posting this on http://forums.maxima.org/forumdisplay.php?forumid=9 you can get some more opinions there. There are some really mechanically inclined members that may help you more than I.

[laserloser2]

ok thanx alot for your help

[Ravq]

No problem. Good luck with finding the source of your power loss. Please do update me if you find it. Just to satisfy my curiousity.