Topics titled according to symptom

[JimN]

I think we need to have a few sub-categories in a main folder titled "Engine Performance Issues".

I don't know how this can be implemented but I'm seeing a lot of performance issues that have similar causes and symptoms and it doesn't look like many people are searching the archives for solutions.

I don't know about the rest of you but I'm, spending a lot of time writing the same things, over and over.

Topics should include:

Cranks- No Fire and specify whether it's after running the motor, or not.

Bad Idle - also specify if the idle speed is high/low or unstable

Good Idle-No Hole Shot

Good Idle- No Mid-range or Top End Power

Loses Power - specify conditions, how long it takes to occur or for the symptoms to disappear

Won't Run Smoothly - specify the RPM and how the throttle is being moved


Whether the motor has a carb or injection needs to be specified because the testing procedures are different.


Before asking a question about performance, please look for the answers. Looking for a quick fix is fine but it's not really fair to the people who have already posted the answers in 20 other threads with the same symptoms

If you want to do the work, check the basics before asking questions (timing advance, compression, fuel pressure, battery voltage, Idle speed, verify spark and fuel delivery), have the results handy when you post/respond to questions.

Also, please do the tests recommended before asking more questions.

[vision]

Great idea! It will never happen.

Why? Humans are lazy. Too lazy to post in the correct forum and too lazy to search when it is easier to ask. Embarrassingly, I include myself in the too lazy category.

But I hope I am proved wrong.

[TMCNo1]

Very good suggestion thread JimN, thanks!

[JimN]

I would also like to add that when a problem occurs, do a visual inspection and if something makes noise, wiggle things to see if you can replicate it.

Include anything that you observe such as:

If the motor stops, do the gauges still move when the key is turned ON?

If it's injected, does fuel still go into the throttle body, or do you still hear the pump relay and/or pump?

Did you check for spark? If not, do it before asking questions- the only things needed for a motor to run are:

Fuel/air, compression and spark (preferably at the right time).

If it runs badly and sounds odd, inspect the exhaust system. Clogged hoses and mufflers won't let the motor breathe and will cause huge loss of power.

Did the motor get extremely wet? If so, dry it before trying to start it. If it's injected, the sensors and ECM can be damaged by turning the key to ON.

Did someone reverse the battery cables when they were connected? If yes, DO NOT TURN THE KEY ON! Just disconnect them and correct the mistake.

If any accessories were installed immediately before the problems started, that's the first place to start looking for problems.

[Jesus_Freak]

Before asking a question about performance, please look for the answers. Looking for a quick fix is fine but it's not really fair to the people who have already posted the answers in 20 other threads with the same symptoms

How about having a question like, "Have you searched this website?" or something related to that on the page for new thread creation? It doesnt mean everyone is going to employ it honestly, but it may help.

[TMCNo1]

"Topics titled according to symptom"

Oh no, this would be something that could really get sidetracked!
"I've got this itch in a certain unspeakable area"!!!!!!!!:rolleyes:

[JimN]

Check the kill switch.

Go to WebMD.