Power loss, questionable mechanics.. WTF?

[amalventano@sc.rr.com (Allyn)]

> as it turns out, was *not* correct -- the mechanic claims the crankshaft
sprocket was mismarked

WARNING: your keyway on the crank sprocket may be on its way out. this causes
the pulley mark to shift from the real tdc.

> After this minor detail was corrected, the car immediately had more power
> and acted less unhappy than before.  It's not quite to 16v performance
> levels yet, but it tops out at an even 95mph instead of 70 or 80.

umm, should be more like 120

> So, I counted my blessings and got the car back.  It's not perfect, but I'm
> just happy to have gotten it back in one piece.  The hunt for lost power
> continues!

if it suddenly takes a step in the worse direction, that means your crank pulley
is slowly drifting. at that point you risk alot of damage if the pulley slips
all the way (same effect as breaking a timing belt). just a heads up.

> Incidentally, has anyone else ever had or heard of a mismarked crankshaft?
> One would think that'd be immediately apparent when the car was being built.
> Unless there's some way for the sprocket to slip.

seems to me that you nailed it :)
hth
Al