Re: stupid newbie questions....

[16V JASON <jason@scirocco.org>]

At 03:17 AM 2/6/99 , Derek Tarvin wrote:
>Hey folks...
>
>I'm new to the list and scirocco ownership and I've got a couple of stupid
>questions.

Hey Derek, 
	Welcome to the list!


>1.  Is it normal for the engine power to start at 3000 rpms?   Don't get me
>wrong, the car has some strength in the lower rpms but it almost feels like
>a different car at 3000.

	No. 
	You will probably hear lots of guys tell you that this is indeed normal,
for two reasons: One, the 16v has a bad repuatation for having no low-end
torque, and Two, many cars, as they get older, simply fall out of tune and
create such problems.
	A properly tuned 16v engine will feel very healthy down to about 2000rpm.
Below that, there's simply nothing there.  My car can pull in 5th without
shuddering or complanining at any speed above 2000.  I do feel the engine
come "on cam" at around 4000, but between 2000 and 4000 is certainly not
sluggish.  In first, starting from idle, the car goes from "dead" to
"alive" at 2000rpm, though... which is what I suspect you're feeling at 3000.
	So, what could cause your car to do this?  My biggest suspect is the fuel
injector seals.  When they allow air into the engine, they take gobs of
power away at lower rpms.  Replace (or have them replaced), especially if
your car hates low rpms when it's cold (Mine would stumble and hesitate
probably for 10 minutes in the morning).
	Then, check your spark plugs (which you will most likely have to replace--
email me if you want some tips on how to test them), wires, distributor cap
and rotor, and make sure your ignition coil is properly grounded (the
ground straps tend to corrode pretty badly).  Since the electrical (spark)
system is more taxed under load at low rpms, this might help your problem
significantly.
	And then make absolutely certain that your timing (both ignition and
camshaft) is not off.  Timing that is off will cause your symptoms as well.

>2.   Between 3000 and 4000 rpms the engine sound and feel changes
>completely. Is this normal?

	Um... I don't know.  Right at about 4000, my engine smooths out and
suddenly becomes very turbine-like.  Under 4000 it can be a bit boomy and
shaky (but it's going in for new motor mounts on Tuesday, so that should
cure that).  I don't know how much of a difference you're referring to,
but chances are it's normal... and if it's not, the tune-up I suggested
above will cure it.  

>3.   I had my mechanic change the oil when he did the water pump/timing
>belt/3 motor mounts.  He used 15w-40.   In Oklahoma we don't get too cold
>too often ( a couple days of single digits but mostly in the 20's) but we
>get pretty warm, a few 100 + days a year...  Any comments on his choice of
>oil?

	I use Mobil One 10-30 all year round and don't have any problems.  That
oil choice is fine-- many of the guys with higher mileage (how many do you
have?) have problems with low oil pressure in the summer, cause the 16v
does tend to run hot and the oil pump looses some of its original vigor
with high mileage-  and they tend to run a 50-wt during the summer.. So
you're probably just fine with that.


>LIke I said, I'm new to the joys of scirocco ownership.  My last car was a
>86 Monte Carlo with a V-8, so this little 1.8L engine is a little different
>than I'm used to.

	Hmmm.. just raced an 8X Supreme 442 the other day-- close race, but I was
kinda dissapointed that I couldn't beat him... how fast are those things?

	The 16v probably couldn't be more different than your Monte's V8.  GM
Pushrod V8s shine with gobs and gobs of torque below 3000, and then hate
you if you make them rev.  The 16v will beg you to keep it spinning fast
all day long, but like I said above, it shouldn't be a dog under 3000.... 


		Good luck with your car!
			Jason

	





----------
jason@scirocco.org
1987 Scirocco 16v
57,000 original miles.
http://members.aol.com/rocco16v  

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