1994 1.8L Talon sluggish

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Lurker - 25 May 2008 21:42 GMT

My 1994 Eagle Talon 1.8 liter has been sluggish since I got it ~ 5 years
ago. Mileage is about 20 mpg.
The check engine light behaves normally. I've checked the O2 sensor and
voltage is within good range.
My "mechanic" friend said small cars with 140 Kmiles are usually that way.

Any ideas?

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Stewart DIBBS - 26 May 2008 12:26 GMT

> My 1994 Eagle Talon 1.8 liter has been sluggish since I got it ~ 5 years
> ago. Mileage is about 20 mpg.

The 1.8L cars never had sparkling performance, though 20 mpg is somewhat
low. Clean out the throttle body, replace the air filter and adjust the
timing to spec. The ECU can output an error code without setting the Check
Engine light.

Make sure you don't have dragging brakes. If an automatic, is it shifting
correctly? I can't imagine anyone driving a car for 5 years with a trans in
limp mode (2nd, 3rd only), but it possible, and is one explanation for the
fuel consumption.

regards
Stewart DIBBS
www.pixcl.com/lancerproject

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Lurker - 31 May 2008 05:51 GMT

Thanks Stewart.
I did a "routine" on it when I got it (included new air filter). Shifts
just fine. I have redone front and back rotors and pads two years ago and
I can tell you they do not drag. Last year I cleaned the throttle body with
SEAFOAM (supposed to be a good product) twice(there was enough in the
bottle) . Adjusted the throttle sensor because idle was low.
Had head gasket replaced last year so I assume timing was checked and set.
(maybe not).
It doesn't burn or lose oil though it needs oil when I change it (the
exhaust looks good).
I understand it's as wimpy as you can get but with gas prices . . . . and
tailgaters . . . . .it's not in limp mode it's just underpowered.

>> My 1994 Eagle Talon 1.8 liter has been sluggish since I got it ~ 5 years
>> ago. Mileage is about 20 mpg.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Stewart DIBBS
> www.pixcl.com/lancerproject

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Stewart DIBBS - 02 Jun 2008 03:12 GMT

> ... Adjusted the throttle sensor because idle was low.

Was this the screw and lock nut on the base of the throttle body? If so,
this is probably a partial cause of the poor mileage. This screw and lock
nut is NOT the idle adjustment, though it will affect the idle speed. Its
purpose is to set the shut position of the butterfly valve.

Idle speed adjustment is via the Air Idle screw. Look on the TOP of the
throttle body for a 10mm black plug. Under this plug is a big Philips screw.
Adjust this to set the idle speed.

Signature

regards
Stewart DIBBS
www.pixcl.com/lancerproject

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