Power loss at start

[silverblades181]

Hey, I've been having this intermitent problem that's becoming more and more frequent. When I start the car, the idle is rather irregular and sometimes the engines even wants to stall. When I try to accelerate, there is no power, even if I put the pedal to the floor and then....boom power if back. And then the idle is fine and it runs great aslong as I don't turn off the engine. I noticed it has nothing to do with the engine temperature, it only happens when I start the engine, and then again it doesn't happen always (often though). Air filter, throttle body and idle valve are all clean. Gas pump is new, gas lines are fine, injectors are clean, spark plugs and wires are new...I thought about the AFM and the O2 Sensor...what do you guys think? Does anyone has that problem?

BTW: Check Engine is not on, but it has come on from time to time when the problem occured and then went off about 15 minutes later.

[jfdublyu]

from the start it sounded like possibly a vaccuum leak, but if it runs fine after then it couldn't be. After it's been running for a while, does it have like a slight delay in power when you mash the throttle at all? Like a very very quick delay and then BOOM?

[kramerica5000]

I had the same problem with an 87 VW Jetta I had. I never did figure out why it did that, but it wasn't debilitating so I just lived with it.

[silverblades181]

from the start it sounded like possibly a vaccuum leak, but if it runs fine after then it couldn't be. After it's been running for a while, does it have like a slight delay in power when you mash the throttle at all? Like a very very quick delay and then BOOM?

Yes I find it has a little delay, but I think my clutch cylinder is about to go. My clutch and pressure plate are both new. And it can't be a vacuum leak, my head gasket was done about a month or two ago and every single hose has been checked as well as the engine internals etc..(and of course every gasket)

[jfdublyu]

hmm, if it's definitely not a vaccuum leak then it's beyond my own personal experience w/ mine. sorry man, but good luck

[LuvThatSam]

Try changing the ICV.......

[silverblades181]

ICV is fine too lol, it's been cleaned and works fine...

[LuvThatSam]

ICV is fine too lol, it's been cleaned and works fine...

OK....how bout your fuel filter.....When was the last time that was changed?

[silverblades181]

last summer lol, along with the pump which I thought was the problem. Btw I think my M42 runs weak all the time if I compare how fast yours seem to run. Could it be my 02 sensor?

[Febi Guibo]

I'll put $2 on the AFM... check that barn door!
(give it a good, but carefuly cleaning...)

[m3someday]

Hi Silverblades,

Have u solved this problem. I was researching on this subject and very surprised to find someone with the exact same problem on the other side of the planet!

Yes, my engine starts fine, idles a little low and practically stalls when u gas it. Then suddenly the power kicks in and eveything works beautifully....till u shut off the engine! the whole sequence starts again when u restart - even when the engine is warm.

I do notice that when this happen, the speedo is showing zero velocity, although the car would be rolling.