[Vwdiesel] 1.6l TD , no power

[Mike & Coreen Smith]

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Hi All,

I own a 1988 Jetta 1.6L Turbo Diesel 5 speed.  I've played to no end with
the MAX FUEL screw and double checked I have boost, yet the car still seems
to lack power.  All increasing the max fuel screw seems to do is put the
idle up higher and higher. (IE: I don't see black smoke and I don't have any
more power)

Speaking to my brother in law (<a mechanic>who sold me the car) recently, he
said the PO had the flywheel off and it was reinstalled in the wrong
position so now it cannot be "timed" correctly. The VW mechanic timed it "as
best he could".... I know NOTHING about timing this engine. (can someone
explain it?)

Could this be my problem?  I get about 45MPG with it highway/city and on a
recent trip to Quebec and back to NB I maxed out at 50MPG(CDN). I feel I
should be doing a bit better than that.

Going up hills I have to downshift to 4th (sometimes 3rd) and I go slower,
slower, slower, so that every single car ends up passing me.
Slow, like 30-50MPH, ~60-80km/h slow.  Absolutely the most gutless car I've
ever owned.  I do OK when revvs are above 4k in the city, but zilch on hills
in the highway. I also do OK in the city and on long flat stretches.

Ideas?........

Thanks
Mike in NB,

Mike, Coreen & Corey Smith
271 Smith Rd
Waterville, NB
E2V 3V6
Canada
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