I bought my CL in 2005 at 80K. Immediately changed Timing belt and muffler and switched to Synthetic Oil. Drove from NC to CA with no problem. But then started to have jerky engagement in first gear. Mechanic said clutch chatter due to worn our pressure plate. I replaced it with OEM clutch and new Master cylinder 3 months ago. I hoped this will make the car pull better but then engine started giving off moaning sound between 1500-1800 rpm in any gear and now it feels like the car is powerless in the first two gears. Having recently spent $1500 on this car which is only worth $3000, do you guys have any ideas on how can I improve the engine power so I can prolong changing the car until the end of this year? I tried to change the fuel filter and I couldn't get the fuel line off from the bottom of the filter. That backfired. Now, I am thinking of seafoaming. Any other thoughts? I used to enjoy my drive with stick shift, now I hate my drive every day 1 hour to and fro.

Thanks for the help!

 

I tried the Seafoam today and it seemed to have helped a bit. My car gave out a lot of smoke so I tried it twice.

Now what else can I clean/replace without taking it to a mechanic to improve/restore performance? I thought changing fuel filter would help but couldn't get that damn thing out. Anybody has experience replacing fuel filter. How much would it cost if I take it to a shop.

 

Your car must be a lemon, been beaten on or something then, cuz the 2.2 5 spds should last a long ass time. My car is nearing 170k and it still has the original clutch, engine, and transmission parts. But i'd say try and take it to a mechanic so you can find out what's wrong first and then make a decision after that.

 

if you like it, swap the shit with newer engine/tranny. f stuff is relatively cheap.

 

ohhh man the fuel filter. dude my car is a lemon to the max. it took me 4 days to get the fuel filter out we finaly just had to cut the fuel line under the car and pull it out through the engine bay. it was super seized on! it took me and my friend standing on the wrenches to get it loose. IT WAS A B****.

 

Keep the car, you will regret ever getting rid of it. I have a '97 2.2 Premium with the Auto Tranny. I am nearing 177K with all stock components. The only thing replaced under the hood was a radiator, battery and I had the timing chain replaced at 100K for prevention. Other parts include: passenger side cv halfshaft, passenger side rear caliper, pads and rotors all the way around, tires and I just replaced my exhaust with oem replacement. In 12 years I might have spent $3500 in parts not including oil changes. DON'T SELL! Try to fix it.

 

Fuel filter isn't a maintenance item. Check fuel pressure and if OK (very likely), leave it alone.

Poor performance is usually due to spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor.

good luck