idles but won't go 1.7

[johnboy914]

I have a 72 1.7 'D'fi. It starts and idles nicely, but there is absolutely no power, I can move the car in reverse and barely in first but that is it. I tried the head temp. sensor bypass, with no luck. The car was sitting for about 25yrs. The compression seems good. It will go to redline, but very slowly. any ideas would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[JP Noonan]

I'd guess it's really rich, look for a good vaccuum line between the MPS and the air distributor.

Next I'd say after 25 yrs do a tune up for Pete's sake. New plugs, points, condensor, and timing. Badly pitted points, too retarded timing because the weights are frozen, are things to look at.

Then replace all the rubber fuel lines before they burst. Mine did after the car sat for 8 years. Ran good for about a week before the line ruptured.

[johnboy914]

more info- I replaced all gas lines, fuel pump, cap, rotor, plug wires, condenser, points, I checked for vac. leaks with starting fluid and timed it.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

What color were the deposits on the spark plugs? Black and sooty is too rich, tan or brown is OK, white or grey is too lean.

Check http://www.914fan.net/djet.html for all the D-jet info you could ever need. (Only a slight hyperbole.)

--DD

[JP Noonan]

Ether starting fluid is WAY to flamable to be spraying around to look for vac leaks, I'm happy you didn't have any problems. I won't do it again.

Check that the timing marks are correct, either confirm the location of top dead center for #1 by looking through the plugs hole. Or line the slash in the flywheel with the parting line of the case and feel for air rushing out of #1 so you know you're on compression stroke.

I'm thinking that maybe the marks on the fan are wrong. You maybe clipped the timing light onto the wrong plug wire (no offense, I've done it), or there is an internal fault with the dizzy, like rusty advance weights or points gapped wrong.

Another possibilty (reading the plugs like DD said) is the FI trigger points aren't firing all the time. So you may be running of two cylinders. Also check that the injectors are getting a good signal and a good ground.

[stratoblaster]

I am not sure what you have done to ressurrect this 914 but you should check the simple stuff. If the car sat 25 years anything related to fuel could be filthy with varnish or rust. From the tank to the fuel pump to the filter right into your injectors. Look in the tank with a FLASHLIGHT for rust or whatever. The tank may be full of ****. Inspect fuel lines for cracking. 914's seem to catch fire often. Replace the fuel filter at least once. Also, make sure you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the key to ON. Finally, old 914 brake lines are almost always ruined. Check them out before you drive the car.