Rough idle, low power

1991 PLYMOUTH ACCLAIM
150,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ANTHONYMUSIC
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Car idles quite rough in park and neutral, slightly smooths out when idling in drive but still rough. Drives smooth but barely goes 60 MPH. I changed the sparkplugs but the connection to the sparkplug wire feels loose. Also, if I open the cap where you add the oil, some smoke (maybe steam?) comes out of the engine.
Apr 29, 2021 at 1:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

As far as the smoke from the oil cap, that really isn't odd after the engine runs. However, the lack of power is a concern. It could be caused by a few different things. First, low engine compression, weak fuel pressure, plugged catalytic converter and so on.

Here is what I need you to do. First, I want you to check for diagnostic trouble codes. You don't need a scanner to get codes. Follow the directions in this link and let me know what codes are found.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/retrieve-trouble-codes-for-chrysler-dodge-plymouth-odb1-1995-and-earlier-car-mini-van-and-light-trucks

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 30, 2021 at 8:59 PM