Hey I'm new to honda-tech but I've searched around the website for awhile now. I purchased a 2000 SIR (American Si) with 127,000 km on original B16a2. I'm having a serious problem with it. At idle the car runs like a dream, no fluctuation and rev's freely. When the car is under load(in gear) its gutless. It feels slower then my old Ej6 Hatch D16y7. The car has no check engine lights. When I first bought it, it threw code P1337 Faulty CKF Sensor I've fixed the sensor but the car still runs like absolute junk. Since having the car I've replaced; Fuel Filter, Air Filter, Cap & Rotor, Spark Plugs, Wires, Full Oil Change. I've checked all grounds and sensors. I removed my exhaust to find out if it was a clogged cat; but the car ran the same. I recently did a compression test and the results were fine 190-195 across the board. The brand new spark plugs have a lot of carbon build up already, I assume its running extremely rich. If you need to know anything else please ask. I'm completely stumped and hoping that you guys could help me out! I would appreciate it so much!

 

Don't run it if it's running rich to that degree you'll wash the cyl walls(learned that the hard way). clean the plugs and then pull them after a bit see how black they are

 

I've cleaned the spark plugs and they haven't became black in the last hour of testing. I believe it could be a spark issue. Is there a way I can test if i have enough spark?

 

yes a spark plug tester or a HEI tester cheap pick ups at partsource.

 

Check your timing i had the same problem to find out it was off because i timed it with out a lower timing cover using a mark on the oil pump. Then i added the cover and re-timed it ran like a charm

 

or more simply. put a long enough pencil down cyl #1 set it to TDC then put the belt back on the cams. if the timing is off

 

Okay cool I'll check that out. Now the car does idle smooth, and it revs freely in neutral. When I put the car in gear and give it gas it feels as if there is absolutely no power. The rpm's go up very slowly. VTEC engages perfect but still has no pull whatsoever. It's almost as if I were to start in 2nd gear but with no pull through the whole rpm range.

 

almost sounds like timing if the revs shot up i'd say slipping clutch. and comp is good(enough) so we can rule that out.

 

I haven't touched the timing belt as of yet. I'm not sure if the timing is off. I assumed it wouldn't idle correctly if the timing was off.

 

you never know...can start suggesting other things once timing confirmed good or not.

 

I just bought the car and have been having this problem since day one(its been about a week not even on the road yet) Is it possible the timing belt could have skipped a tooth? Would it still idle smooth ?

 

Just checked the timing. Its dead on, any other ideas?

 

yeah by any chance is your shift linkage loose? like does it not have the (bitch pin in) roll pin? i also had this happen were my shift linkage was off a bit as if it was to be bent and i was taking off in 2nd gear and so on.. if ur shift linkage moves all crazy from the shifter when its in gear i recommend u get the roll pin and replace it with (the bolt somebody probably used).

 

Funny you say that when I first got the car the shifter was extremely sloppy. That problem has been fixed though so we can rule that out. This is driving me crazy guys

 

when i fixed it did u replace it with the roll pin it should have? and the car has always ran the same or recently started running like this?

 

Yes I did, and it's been running like this since I bought the car. I took a chance buying it thinking it was something I'd be able to fix on my own. I got the car for a steal.

 

ahh i see... does the car run like crap in revers gear?

 

not that I'm aware of. It seems fine in reverse, its hard to explain but if you give it WOT in first gear it almost feels as if the power is there; something just wont let it go. I had a problem with the rear caliper's seizing but that's been fixed. I believe it has to do with something electronic

 

was asking this because of my shift linkage problem.. i had i know u said u fixxed it but i still had to ask mine ran perfect in revers and i would take off in 3rd gear ;p if u dont mind go in your car and push the linkage hard to the left and up into first gear just for the heck of it see if it makes any difference linkage could be bent.

 

I just tried it for the heck of it but no difference I'm stumped.

 

dang not sure what else it could be has to be some sensor or something if ur timing is dead on..if i was u id prob get the dizzy tested to make sure its fine but thats just me.

 

I've already tried a working B16 dizzy and its the same crap. I guess I'll have to keep looking into it! If anyone else has any ideas please chime in!

 

worst case scenario bring it to a Honda stealership and get the problem diagnosed, then fix it yourself.

 

I might have to do that, but I'm not giving up just yet.

 

The car has full power in reverse, but none in other gears?