what would cause engine to loose power when >

[smokey1]

what would cause the engine to loose power when you hit large amounts of water on road during a severe rain storm or when you hit a mound of cold snow during a snowstorm ? Kinda reminds me of a catalytic converter going bad or plugging up entirely . Had that experience with an '85 PLYMOUTH COLT hatchback . Luckily didn't ruin the engine . Wonder if it has something to do w/ the hot exhaust hitting the cooler water or cold snow , which would affect a sensor for the emissions system .

 

[smokey1]

anyone ever experience this ? If so , what car ? THANKS

 

[Gary Allan]

I don't know of any contemporary cars that have this setup ..but early 70's domestic iron had double walled exhaust. GM, anyway. Hit a puddle ...the exterior would shrink ..and then expand when it got hot again ..the inner tube was smashed shut. We just learned about it in Service Ops (I was in skewl) and later that week in comes a newer Cadillac on a hook saying he couldn't get any power. It was raining ..I managed to put two and two together that day. He couldn't get over 35mph.

I imagine that this can happen with a catalytic converter too ..bust up the honeycomb and clog the outlet.

 

[smokey1]

happens to be a 2000 Chevy PRIZM ( COROLLA ) with 80,000 miles that has this issue . Also seems to have less power at times going up steep hills and have to downshift to make the grade . Have noticed plenty of black soot in tailpipe as well , so makes me suspect that catalytic converter is partially clogged . Is there any test for exhaust flow from the tailpipe or back pressure in engine ( due to restriction ) at dealership's service center to confirm a defective catalytic converter ? Could a faulty catalytic converter cause more oil consumption , possibly due to the heat being kept in the combustion process ?

Thanks

 

[Gary Allan]

Where's that guy who was in love with the vacuum guage when you need him? Your vacuum will drop off (steady and progressive - not just a blip) when you raise the engine RPMs beyond a certain point.

I had an old Econoline van ..one with a 240 six in it and the suicide middle seat. It was winter and I was backing up slow (couldn't see very well). Heard a clunk and stopped. Didn't think anything of it. I was driving to NooWingland from PA right then. Although I had some wind to contend with, I could literally floor it ..engage passing gear ..and when it shifted into 3rd, it would slow below the threshold to shift into second again. When I got home (parents house) ..a friend pointed out that my tail pipe was smashed pretty tight.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

My old 1988 Caprice wagon would do this when going through a large puddle....the on-dash volt meter would drop to below 12 and there wouldn't be a whole lot of power for about 10-15 seconds, and then it would go back to normal.

 

[Gary Allan]

That's loose belts ...or at least glazed belts.

 

[rpn453]

Water/snow in the intake causing a restriction?

 

[Greggy_D]

My spark plug wires were toast when I experienced this in my Ranger.

 

[Craig in Canada]

water ingestion interfering with combustion or causing near hydrolock? The voltage drop mentioned above is belt slip. I think a mound of cold snow slows you down by being a mound of snow...

 

[DC84]

+1 for plug wires... the spark will arc to moisture in the air if they are frayed enough. may want to drop the 40 bucks or so and swap in a new set.

 

[Tosh]

Quote:

---

I think a mound of cold snow slows you down by being a mound of snow...

---

And similarly, hitting a deep puddle would tend to slow down a car. Are you really sure the engine is actually losing power or is the car just losing momentum from the resistance of the water or snow?
I admit my immediate thought was a restricted air intake, but to rule it out you could simulate the effect from this in the dry.

 

[smokey1]

yes , the car lost power during a heavy downpour ( lots of water puddling on road and being kicked up underneath ). This lasts a few seconds and can floor the the gas pedal and no response . After the downpour and most water ran off roads the car was fine .

Hate to have this issue during a thunderstorm ( with heay downpour ) on busy highway at high speeds , could spell disaster .

 

[swalve]

Next time I think of it, I'm going to pull my intake off after driving in heavy rain to see how wet it is (or isn't) on the inside. I bet it will be dry, but who knows?

This guy's issue is most likely ignition related, in my experience.

 

[Greggy_D]

I still put my money on plug wires or a cracked distributor cap (if so equipped).

Know how to test it??? Start the car and dump a bucket of water on the wires and cap. You'll know right then.

 

[smokey1]

wires are fine , checked wires , etc. right after storm , not an ounce of water ( dry as a bone ) . Thinking might be a slipping serpentine belt , or maybe one the 2 sensors for emissions . THANKS

 

[Tosh]

If anything, a slipping belt would make the engine seem like it had MORE power. Sorta. There isn't anything driven by belts that makes the engine lose power: alternator, PS, AC, water pump...? (Besides, how would snow affect a belt? How would snow affect the electrical or ignition system? Sure about the snow?)

Why not partially block off the intake with a piece of cardboard to see if you get the same effect in the dry? It's simple to try, and then you can rule it out.

 

[Trucku]

had issue with water in my wifes Honda when we were dating. Some silicone on the plug wires took care of the issue.

 

[smokey1]

I'm out of words for now .

 

[cousincletus]

If belt slipping there is a good chance your alternator light will come on. My guess dist cap and wires. Replace with OEM or good quality aftermkt like Standard Ignition parts from Carquest or NAPA.