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My engine runs smoothly, but it is really weak.

Tiny
LACHWHISTLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1981 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT
  • 283 MILES
I drive a 1981 vw rabbit truck (diesel). The truck has been running fine for 8 months.

However, when I took her out today, the engine was very, very weak.
I had trouble getting out of my steep driveway, which normally is no problem.

The truck still feels smooth, but when I reached the peak point of a gear today, it was noticeably weaker than the day before. I live in a hilly area, and normally I can get up hills no problem, using 2nd gear sometimes on the really steep parts.

Today I had to cruise very slowly in 1st gear to get up the hills. It was like riding a lawn mower.

Any ideas on the problem? I recently rebuilt this truck
(new (used) engine, radiator, etc.) So I would like to try and fix the problem myself.
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Sunday, May 6th, 2012 AT 11:58 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Check your throttle linkage.
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Monday, May 7th, 2012 AT 12:04 AM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Do you smell anything abnormal? What happens if you get going in first and shift into third or fourth? Try disconnecting the catalytic converter and see if that makes any difference.
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Monday, May 7th, 2012 AT 12:06 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Could also be timing from the injector pump. Remove the covers and verify the timing marks.

Roy
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Monday, May 7th, 2012 AT 2:50 AM

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