1996 Mercury Mystique losing power

[DeFormula]

Ok, this thing doesn't have much power so can't really afford to lose any. This is my son's car and it is a 2 liter stick car with about 145,000 miles. For the last couple weeks, it seems to take forever to wind up. It still runs pretty good and smooth, just doesn't have the power it used to. My thoughts on the possibilities:

1) Dirty fuel filter
2) clogged injector(s)
3) retarded timing(?)
4) Dying fuel pump
5) Clogged air intake

Anybody else want to take a stab?

 

[CMYZ28]

Clogged cat?

 

[DeFormula]

Clogged cat?

Aha, good thought!!.. I'll have him run it with my hand over the exhaust and see if there is much pressure coming out...easy test. Thanks!

 

[Beigg]

Timing belt.

 

[DeFormula]

Timing belt.

I hope not. I'll be doing some checking this weekend. Hope if it goes before I get to it that it's not an interference engine.

 

[1fstfox]

Any CEL? MAF sensor might be kicking the bucket.

EDIT - I've heard 2.0L's ARE interferance motors. However, I've done more than a few timing belts AFTER they broke and the customer attempted to start it and they were fine. So I don't believe they are. But I also don't think losing power would be timing belt related..

 

[DeFormula]

Any CEL? MAF sensor might be kicking the bucket.

EDIT - I've heard 2.0L's ARE interferance motors. However, I've done more than a few timing belts AFTER they broke and the customer attempted to start it and they were fine. So I don't believe they are. But I also don't think losing power would be timing belt related..

Thanks. Yeah I always thought the timing belts were OK till they just broke. I don't think he said he has the CEL. We had thought of the MAF as well so we'll def check that out too.

 

[82bird]

Probably a fuel delivery problem or a catalytic converter issue