A few months ago my 97 DX coupe (D16Y7 non vtec) started to suffer from a lack of power. I took it to the mechanic for a tune up. Car was doing aroung 98000 km. We changed the timing belt, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, oil and oil filter. But no noticeable increase resulted. Mechanic said thats just how this particular model is. Anyway, recently I noticed that when I turn on the A/C, I lose a tremendous amount of power, more than the slight decrease I had before. The idle drops a little, and I have to ride the clutch to move off. Also if I am stopped in a hill, I have to switch off the A/c before the car would move else I need about 3500rpm to get rolling. The car feels as though I am trying to move off in 2nd gear, but its in 1st. I got a new clutch last year and I dont want to destroy it. Can anyone help?

 

Condensor pulley is probably starting to freeze up.

 

Does it misfire? I'd suggest new spark wires, rotor, and cap in that order (or if you have the cash, do all 3 at once). If that doesn't help check the fuel pressure and fuel pump output, also see if it can be isolated to one cylinder, maybe a dead injector. The slowing down with A/C is probably just another symptom of the general malaise the engine has.

 

most likely, the belt is probably just slipping, making the motor turn harder to compensate.

 

Does that mean it has to be replaces or can it be serviced?
And is there a DIY that I can try to help narrow it down or correct it.

The car does not misfire or anything. Problem occurs when A/C is turned on. It is less noticeable between 4000-5000 rpm.

 

Which belt would this be again? and can I adjust it?

 

Make sure all (both?) the fans under the hood are running when it idles with the A/C on. If those fans quit, pressure will increase and the compressor will load down the engine.

 

Ok. I started the car, radiator fan was off until the car warmed up. I turned on the A/C and the other fan came on. While standing infront of the car with the hood open, I can hear a slight vibrating sound. With the A/C off the vibrating sound is gone. Also is it normal for the A/C fan to cut in and cut out while the A/C is running, because mine does and everytime it cuts in I get a rough idle and the RPMs drops by about 200.
By the way, the A/C takes a while to get cold and it not as cold as it used to be. When outside is really hot it doesnt get cold at all. Just pull the hot air from outside and blows it into the car. (Green A/C light is on so it should be cold)

 

ttt

 

Because u say it doenst get cool anymore, i would check to see if it needs to be recharged, if not, it might be the compressor taking a crap on you. i know i loose massive amounts of power with the ac on, it is almost impossable to take off with the ac on, but i think that is because my engine isnt up to par. bring it to an ac shop and have em check the charge, and go from there.