RPMs in park plus a little whine

[eagleb]

96 OBW 2.5 AT 113k

How hard should it be to hit 4000 rpm in park? There seems to be a lot of resistance starting around 2k-2500 rpm, and I don't think I've ever had this car above 4k (passing, usually only get to 3500).

When driving and getting up to speed, I'll get the car to shift around 3k rpm pretty easily.

However, sometimes I feel a slight power loss around 2k-2500, where it feels harder to accelerate.

 

Just had HG replaced, and new plugs (the right kind). I've never cleaned any of the sensors, don't know if the o2 sensor is original (probably is).

Any suggestions on where to look or what to check/clean?

 

Second issue is a slight humming or low pitch whining.

Most noticeable in park, sounds almost like it coming from the vents, but no air is on, and it increases with rpms.

Transmission has been feeling weak in 3rd, and shifts hard at times. Sometimes the 2nd-3rd shift feels delayed.

 

Nipper- I'm already sourcing a new trans.

the hum/whine isn't very loud, barely audible when driving, but seems new to the car. I've read previous posts stating that their whines were the front pump in the trans going out, but this noise can be heard from start-up, and isn't pronounced.

 

 

Thanks for any input, I appreciate the help.

 

 

eagle

[nipper]

Sounds like you have a clogged catalytic converter/exhaust system.

 

There is a simple test for the cat, which you neighbors wont like you. Dissconnect the exhaust system. Start the car and try your rev test. If the negine will freely rev past 4K, then you know its an exhaust isuue. Next discconect the muffler and repeat. Usually a muffler just falls apart, but sometimes they clog. Sometiems an exhaust pipe can internally collpase.

 

nipper

[eagleb]

Man, that sounds like some fun... Good think I live in townhouses.

It'd be a shame to let such good noise got to waste.

 

Looks like I'm just gonna have to wait until I get home to open up the ole haynes manual and see how hard it is to disconnect the exhaust system.

 

Anything else I should check out? o2 sensors? MAF? IAC?

Or should I quit my bellyachin'?

 

 

eagle

[nipper]

its four bolts, two per side. Should be easy.

 

And in answer to your last question ...

 

er um yes :-p

 

Do the simple test first. The only other reason you would be rev limited is if the car is in limp mode, but i think even that limits you to 5000 RPM.

 

nipper

[eagleb]

I'm pretty sure I could rev the engine up over 4k, but it doesn't feel smooth at all past 2500-3k. It does feel like there could be a restriction, so I will do the earbuster test, probably not til tomorrow or sunday though.

 

I will let you know how things proceed, thanks for the info.

 

Too bad you don't live in the NW, I feel like I owe you some beers after all the help you've given me

 

end transmission

[nipper]

I'm pretty sure I could rev the engine up over 4k, but it doesn't feel smooth at all past 2500-3k. It does feel like there could be a restriction, so I will do the earbuster test, probably not til tomorrow or sunday though.

 

I will let you know how things proceed, thanks for the info.

 

Too bad you don't live in the NW, I feel like I owe you some beers after all the help you've given me

 

end transmission

 

Well if all go goes well in my world between now and mid summer, i should be passing through on my way back from alaska. i like the PNW, enough to be thinking about a relocation.

 

nipper

[eagleb]

Yeah, I've been spoiled here, born and raised.

As long as you don't mind a month straight of rain around jan/feb, it's a pretty nice place to live.