Ford Puma loss of power

Car: Ford Puma
Variant: 1.4 petrol manual
Model Year: 1998
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
My friend has a problem with her 1.4 puma:
It loses power mainly at low revs ie setting off and after gear change but also on motorway in full flight, anytime really.
The rev counter needle drops slightly when this occurs.
If it makes any difference shes had her engine changed a few months ago but all seemed well. The air con unit also hasnt worked since engine change, mechanic said it needs repressurising? Plus the heaters dont get warm and all the fuses are fine.
Posted: Sep 23, 2009 (15 years ago)
last problem 1st the ac shouldnt be left unpressurised as the system takes on moisture which can destroy it so take it to an ac specialist and tell them its been empty for a while.your engine fitter should have removed the gas as its ileagle to just let it out into the air.
main problem if your heater isnt getting hot it may have an air lock or be low on water.if so the idle system may think its cold therefore it may run on startup map and cause car to cut out so check water level and air locks 1st
Posted Sep 23, 2009 (15 years ago)
I'd check what grade of oil they used following the engine change. AFAIK, all Ford zetec engines require 5/30 engine oil. The 1.7 Puma certainly does. It might be worth doing a full oil change to make sure.

As for the heater being stuck on cold, there is a heater control valve in-between the engine bay and the bulkhead right in the middle of the car. These are notoriously prone to becoming stuck in either the full on cold or full on hot position. I would start my investigations here. The good news is, they are relatively cheap to buy and dead easy to fit yourself.
Posted Sep 25, 2009 (15 years ago)

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