Jason,

To confirm if the CAT is plugged, there might have developed a hole in
the exhaust from the pressure back there. The van might either sound
strangely quiet or strangely loud- like a late-model Bug as heard
through a brick wall, accompanied by a hissing or whistling sound.
Have a friend rev the motor while you stand back there and listen.
While you're back there, put your hand up to the tailpipe to feel how
much exhaust comes out as the motor is revved.

Best of luck!
Sam

---Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM> wrote:
>
> I vote for a plugged catalytic converter or a disintegrated one that
has plugged
> the muffler.  Had the same problem with my '83.5.  Took a punch and
broke out the
> remaining cat matrix, emptied out the pieces, emptied out the
muffler put it all
> back together and the problem was gone and the power was back.  It
even passed
> SoCal smog.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Jim Arnott
> Union, OR
>
> Dentonair wrote:
>
> > Here is my question:  The VW engine rebuilders just put my engine
back
> > together
> > and said that everything runs great but........the top end speed
"is not what
> > they expect out of a new 1.9L engine.  They have swapped off every
part on the
> > engine to see if anything would give it that extra umph!  No luck.
 It has new
> > fuel injectors, belts, idle stabilizer, 02 sensor, clutch, water
pump, and air
> > filter.  The exhaust system is very tight (new cross-over pipes
too).
> >
> > The shop told me that the engine runs better when the temp sensor is
> > unplugged?
> >
> > The only thing that I can think of is a dirty fuel filter (I
havent changed it
> > yet). Could this be the problem?  If not, does anyone have any
ideas on where
> > my top end power is going?
> >
> > Thanks for any help you can give.  Thanks, Jason  (Everett, WA)
>

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