Manager Forum

Hello friends,
Popping up out of lurkdom to ask a quick question. We have a 07 Dodge Caliber that is kicking our butts here.
We have NO codes in the computer, compression, valve timing, and all scan data looks normal. When accelerating, anything over 1/2 throttle really makes no difference. Push in the clutch and the engine hits red-line in a snap. There have been lots of hits on-line regarding the throttle body but watching the data readings tells us it is working normally.

Thanks for your time!

Doug Sebens
Marlin's Auto Service
Lynden, WA.
360-354-4976

with the scanner attached is the timing advancing during acceleration?

steven kiser wrote:with the scanner attached is the timing advancing during acceleration?

Steven, Tech says he thinks so, checked it the other day and it seemed good but I'll have him double check that.

Thanks
Doug

Did you look at the throttle body to make sure the plate is not binding or dirty.

Exhaust back pressure test?

steven kiser wrote:with the scanner attached is the timing advancing during acceleration?

Steven, Just checked timing again, It does advance until the engine vacuum drops and then it backs off. Vacuum drops to 0 under acceleration which we feel is tied to the problem but not sure if it is the symptom or the cause.

Doug

ricmorin wrote:Exhaust back pressure test?

Yes, we checked that - all clear. Even ran it without the exhaust connected - same thing. Visually inspected the exhaust manifold while the pipe was disconnected - all clear. Even stuck a borescope down the intake to check for blockages/foreign objects there - all clear.

Compression is good, maybe even a bit high at 200psi cranking.

The only clue we have is that the intake vacuum drops to 0" when accelerating.

We're going to check the variable valve timing actuators now to make sure they are responding correctly.

Thanks
Doug

What are the trims when this is happening? Fuel pressure stable during the condition?

brianp87 wrote:Did you look at the throttle body to make sure the plate is not binding or dirty.

Yes, we checked that, all appears free and clear. With all the hits on-line regarding the throttle body that's one of the first things we checked.

Thanks
Doug

ricmorin wrote:What are the trims when this is happening? Fuel pressure stable during the condition?

Fuel pressure remains stable and fuel trims are within normal ranges - Tech didn't give me specific numbers but he knows what they're supposed to be and says they're normal.

Thanks
Doug

Well if I were an assuming person I would look into E.G.R. issues. Sounds like by reading all the posts with specs that may be the issue.

Just did a search on Direct Hit and I.A.T.N. and E.G.R. was mentioned more than a few times but less than a lot. Would use O.E.M. on this or one from World Pac.

steven kiser wrote:Just did a search on Direct Hit and I.A.T.N. and E.G.R. was mentioned more than a few times but less than a lot. Would use O.E.M. on this or one from World Pac.

Steven,

Thanks for the research and thoughts, we hadn't thought of an EGR problem. Will look into that asap.

Doug