Engine troubles - Aus n00b needs some tips :-)

[sketchy individual]

Hey guys and gals, im new to this forum and Ive found som very helpful hints, so i decided i might put a post up to ask a few Q's.

I own a 91 Liberty (legacy) 2.2Ltr FWD Automatic. Ever since I got a new (read shit) sports muffler on it I noticed its really bodgy sound.

The sound was nice and throbby at low, but when getting up it, the sound changed to a dull tearing sort of sound... kind of like a truck engine... it sounded like it was full of oil or some sort of liquid.

Anyway as the months went on, I noticed things like less power and a couple of flat spots through out the RPM range. These things have got me thinking there is something serisouly wrong that is eventually goign to give out.

Im not sure if flat spot is the right word but I will continue to use it until im told otherwise. The flat spots happen at around 3000-3500 and 4200'ish and power is down... the revs drop (300 or so), the car looses some thrust and it slowly increases to the next flat spot where the same thing happens again... its particularily noticable up hills. I ahvent had the carr dyno'd so I am unsure if the thing is actually down on power from stock but I think it is. In general its just not the lively engine I came to expect from when I drove the same car about 3 yrs ago (before my grand-dad gave it to me).

A have noticed that bosch plugs arent really that good for sooby engines so I will be getting some nice new NGK plugs for it, but I want to know of other things that could be giving it the shits. When I fill the thing up with new oil on a cold start it blows a little bit of smoke, but thiis is normal isnt it? its blue smoke and lasts not more then a few mins. It not thick by any means either. I am thinking of taking the thing for a compresion test aswell jsut to make sure.

All in all, I dont know much about the technical side of auto mobiles... not practical anyway, but I am a bit of a DIY person so with the right knowledge and advice I would be willing to do some things myself.

Anyway, sorry about the novel, sometimes a Just bable on a little.

Thanks to everyone, and BTW Great forums.

Oh yeah and incase you were wondering, it has had its timing belt changed.]

[vrg3]

I had similar symptoms on my 1991 Legacy when it had an exhaust leak. I don't remember what part of the exhaust was leaking, though; my dad took it to a shop to have it fixed. If your muffler was poorly installed, the exhaust could be leaking around it.

[sketchy individual]

I have taken the thing to 2 exhuast specialists and they both say its fine.

The exhuast was my first suspision. It even sounds like its leaking, but apparently it isnt.

I really need some help with this peoples. My motor is in trouble.

Im thinking of trying that water intake thing to clear out some carbon. It sound pretty neat.

[vrg3]

Do you trust these alleged specialists?

You could check it yourself -- plug the tailpipe with a rag (just enough to keep it from stalling out) and check around the muffler. If there's a leak you should be able to hear the exhaust coming out through it.

[sketchy individual]

No i dont trust them but they dont really have any vested interest in telling me its working fine

I shall try your idea. Thnx mate