Having some engine trouble.

[Jordan]

Lately my engine has decided not to rev past 6,000RPM without a fight. Started doing it last week, but was an isolated event... then a couple nights ago it started doing it habitually. Now its every time.

Doesn't seem to be dependant on engine load at all. Be it 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, Uphill or down, going straight, or sliding sideways.

I can accelerate to 6,000RPMS then its like it hits a revlimiter. It kicks off power quick, misfires, and is reluctant to increase RPMS. If I keep my foot planted it will increase RPM's (while struggling) to the 6,900RPM redline.

Haven't changed anything or messed with anything that I can think of that might cause this issue.

I run MarkD's 93 Oct. chip in my 173 ECU. Had it in there for many months without issue. I run 92 Oct. Shell V-Power all the time, and currently have 1/2 a tank full of it.

Anyone have any bright ideas?

[Skafrog]

sounds like bad gas to me.
Did you wash your engine bay lately?

[Stu]

Jordan, I had the same problems with my car from about 210k-255k, and the problem has since never come back. The car would cut out at anywhere from 5800 to 6500rpms, almost like a rev limiter, but more like the ignition is being cut. It was an intermittent problem and I havn't experienced it for quite some time, and never found the cause.

[e30sd]

i would check the obvious first: check the fuel system. neil's 325is did the same thing at 5500 rpm. it was like clockwork.

[Rob]

loose wiring or something when the engine moves at high rpms?

[Jordan]

Since it started I exhuasted my supply of gas (until the light came on) then just put 7gals of fresh 92oct in. Ran it hard for awhile to make sure anything in the lines was gone, but the problem persists.

Bad gas was my first guess, thought that some gas monkey might have pumped me 87 instead of 92 (its happened before)

I have not washed the engine bay lately. Last time I did was well before any of this started.

[UNHCLL]

Since it started I exhuasted my supply of gas (until the light came on) then just put 7gals of fresh 92oct in. Ran it hard for awhile to make sure anything in the lines was gone, but the problem persists.

Did you go to the same place for the 92 Oct?

If you did, obviously you cant rule out the fuel.

[Jordan]

Nope, 2 different Shells, about 80 miles apart.

[UNHCLL]

tried adding some octane booster?

chance there is crap in your crank teeth giving a mis-trigger?

[Skafrog]

clogged fuel filter?
Bad injector?
Bad Spark Plug?
ECU needs resetting?
air leak of some sort?

I know your motor is basically brand new, so I would check all the external conenctions etc.

[Jordan]

I will check the harmonic balancer teeth and CPS for cleanliness.

[rs4pro3]

Ya I was going to mention the Crank sensor, I know the m30 motronic 1.3 one you can adjust the distance of it from the gear, can't remeber if the e30 one is adjustable or not.

[Jordan]

clogged fuel filter?

<9k miles, tank was opened and flushed, so I'm sure its clean.

Bad injector?

<9k milesCleaned and flow matched remanned injector set

Bad Spark Plug?

<9k

ECU needs resetting?

I disconnected the battery, will reconnect after dinner.

air leak of some sort?

I doubt it.... but I will look over the obvious.

[Jordan]

can't remeber if the e30 one is adjustable or not.

Pretty sure its a fixed position.

[rs4pro3]

Ya I looked at mine in the attic and it is, always wondered why the manual talked about adjusting it untill I got the m30 one. But check's it's wires and make sure there good and the sensor is snugged down tight. Only other idea I have is to check out the fuel pressure.