So I just replaced the head gasket on my 22re and I have it all back together and it idles great and will rev fine when it's just sitting, but when I go to drive it there is an extreme lack of power. I'm thinking there's an air leak on the intake side, but that's about all I've got. I rechecked the timing to make sure that is correct, so, anyone have any other suggestions besides air leak? Thanks.

 

Remember that the 22re is not a performance engine to begin with, regardless of what your brother's neighbor's uncle's story says. But granting that you are hopefully not over estimating the soda pop size engine, I'd suggest cheking your fuel filters. Any and all, not just the main one along the fuel line but any along the way. I had a similar problem with a chevy in-line 6 and the filter in the fuel line going into the carb was almost completely plugged(was still getting gas but not enough when throttle was pushed.) Also a common mistake is the vacuum advance and other vacuum lines. RE-check thier placement and make sure all of them are connected, especially the one that hooks up near your throttle body. Since it idles fine, it has nothing to do with spark so skip checking that and remember, its a 22re, not a chevy 350. They are not powerful engines, and larger tires, added weight, or even fresh brakes can significantly reduce the effective power. Check the vacuum lines and fuel filters, if ya can't find anything there, chalk it up to the fact that a geo has the same sized engine .

 

Yea, I understand that it's not going to be pulling any houses or anything. By lack of power I'm sayin that it won't even pull third gear...I'm thinking more and more it's a leak somewhere between the intake and the head, as I've checked all the hoses and their placement and that's all correct. So, back to the drawing board I suppose...