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Peugeot 306 - Loss of power - HELP!! - Epsilon
Can anyone help?

I have a perisiting problem with my X-plate 1.4LX Pug. When accelerating there is a whistling/screeching sound from the engine region. This stops if I take my foot of the accelerator. So far, I have had the tensioner changed and some work done on the manifold - these did not solve the problem.

When travelling on the motorway, there is hardly any acceleration from 50mph onwards and is virtually nil above 70mph. The whistling/screeching noise is very much louder at higher speeds and the power rapidly drops on inclines or when accelerating above 70mph.

Any ideas what this could be?...someone suggested the catalytic converter but my mechanic said this wasn't the cause.

gurps_epsilon@hotmail.com
Peugeot 306 - Loss of power - HELP!! - David G.I.Davies
Despite what your mechanic says,this sounds like a restricted exhaust.Suggest you find a garage or diagnostic workshop equipped with an exhaust back pressure tester.This device is fitted temporarily in place of the lambda sensor and will immediately show any excessive back pressure when the engine is accelerated.
Peugeot 306 - Loss of power - HELP!! - SjB {P}
Agreed.

Back in 1984, the rear box on my Austin Aggro 1750 collapsed internally, with the same symptoms. Naff all power, and a whistle as the exhaust gas tried to force it's way through the restriction.

A new back box later, and all was well.

Of course the same could apply to a cat collapsing internally, too.
Peugeot 306 - Loss of power - HELP!! - Epsilon
Thanks for your post.

The AA at Halfords did some work around the manifold (cracked nut) thinking this was the problem, however I guess this is likley to have been a consequence of the real cause elsewhere.

Could you offer a detailed diagnosis based on your opinion - this will help when I take it to a mechanic and explain the problem to him.

Many thanks.
Peugeot 306 - Loss of power - HELP!! - Civic8
To put it simply.exhaust is designed to help pull the exhaust gases away from from the bore`s.partial restriction prevents this from happening and the exhaust gases remain in the bore preventing complete combustion.so loss of power.collapsed cat can do this.as an example if you put a rag in the exhaust pipe totaly blocking it.engine will stall.partial blockage may not stall it.but performance will be restricted.
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Was mech1