Peugeot 309 1.8td No power

[Fraser99]

Hi, I recently bought and MOTD at Peugeot 309 1.8td but it has a problem where it has what feels to be about 45-50 Bhp when factory should be 78bhp . Everything about it is perfect it starts fine from hot or cold accelerates normally but just has no power to it especially up hill . Fuel filter is fine, boosting gauge shows fine picks up quickly to 18 psi max and I have since adjust the fuel pump to put in extra fuel to see if that was the issue, so I get some black smoke under acceleration through Rev range so I know fuel or air isn’t limiting me, does anyone have any ideas of what the problem is? Thanks

[njw1]

Brakes binding? Clutch slipping? Is the fuel pump timing correct (a worn cambelt would throw the timing off)?

[sgtBerbatov]

Have you given it a proper service? Like new oil, filters, spark plugs etc?

[Fraser99]

njw1 said:

Brakes binding? Clutch slipping? Is the fuel pump timing correct (a worn cambelt would throw the timing off)?

The brakes and clutch are perfect. Timing could be an issue, would incorrect timing cause it still start and run fine but just have a really flat powerless acceleration? If I advance the timing is engine knock easily noticeable?what would it sound like from in the car?. Thanks

[slybunda]

Have you. Checked for a a split in the boost pipe? Had that happen on a mondeo..

[njw1]

Fraser99 said:

The brakes and clutch are perfect. Timing could be an issue, would incorrect timing cause it still start and run fine but just have a really flat powerless acceleration? If I advance the timing is engine knock easily noticeable?what would it sound like from in the car?. Thanks

It would still start if the timing was close enough but I'd expect it to smoke and/or knock, I'm not too familiar with that engine so can't help with adjusting the timing but checking for a boost leak as suggested above is something I'd check first.

[Fraser99]

I have checked for leaks and could not find any, however when getting under the car which is the only easy way to see the turbo I have seen that a smaller incorrect one has been welded onto the manifold, having been sold to me with a "reconditioned turbo " I am surprised this is the case. I have removed and also found that this turbo has a lot of play side to side and back and forth. It was still boosting up fine though, but perhaps it was to restrictive for the engine. I am buying a new manifold and turbo to fit later to see if this will fix the problem.

[Old Merc]

One very simple fault can get overlooked on these old Pug diesels, a slack throttle cable. Check to see if its getting full throttle.