Lost a bit of power

[Ciderdan]

Changed my cambelt yesterday, she runs fine, but seems to have lost a bit of power, also 'stutters' a tiny bit.  Just noticed though a rather large hole in my back box!  (Thought she was sounding a bit racy!!).  Might the knackared back box cause the loss of power?

[VeeDubGTI16v]

you might be a tooth out on the cam belt, happened to me once on the old 16v and it lost about 30bhp!

[DarnPB]

I think you need to look at your settings again. As said just now, you could be a tooth out either on your cam pulley or distributor drive. Blowing exhausts will not help either.

[Ciderdan]

Thanks for the replys boys.  Would the engine run if she were a tooth out?.  I thought the 1800 was an 'interference' engine.  she sounds fine and did go up to about 90, but the bit of 'spark' just wasnt there.  Would the back box make a bit of difference?

[VeeDubGTI16v]

it would still run yeah, just feels 'strangled'! if i were you id turn the engine until you think its at tdc, then take the spark plug out of no1 and put a stick or something down there, then turn the engine on the crank bolt and check it actually is at tdc.