Jigen

iTrader: (3)

A lot of times you hear about people's cars losing power when the miles start to climb. What would really factor in to that? Is it just the lack of keeping up with general maintenance? If someone is to keep up with fluid, filter, and plug changes, what makes the car lose power?

Also, when someone constantly beats on their car how does that contribute into losing power? Just wear on all the parts?

twitchtwice

iTrader: (12)

when we get old our bones start to weaken. same idea

Quick Sh0t xMLx

Loss of compression in cylinders tends to be one of the main causes of power loss.

stockerws6

iTrader: (1)

What he said, beat me to it. Using synthetic oil should help with the wear on those cylinder walls to help maintain higher compression longer.

stockerws6

iTrader: (1)

Wow, is that your expert opinion??

miamifan3413

iTrader: (1)

Just typical wear and tear....if you can keep the friction and engine wear minimal, I guess in theory the engine would run forever

sdbrown84

iTrader: (22)

Look out for ring wear. Lose compression on an NA car and see an immediate loss in HP output.

RARON455

iTrader: (35)

Another thing to keep in mind is just what dad always taught, "Keep the frickin oil changed boy" Oil will break down and lose some of its properties, especially when it is subjected to heat. Every combustion engine is a compillation of metal parts working together, in design suspended on a layer of pressurized oil, but there is a loss of metal that causes particles, Mostly the rings on the cylinder walls. When you fail to maintain your oil you speed the wear process down, then that protective layer of oil is contaminated causing more wear, to rings and walls yes, but the most devastating damage will be caused to the bearings, main and rod. Bearings are metal but they are soft, they can be damaged. wear one down and it will almost always take whatever part is riding on it with it on its way out. The problem is basically slop in the engine which will pull it straight to its grave.
I am not saying cars with high mileage have never been taken care of, but there are people who do not maintain them causing performance loss and then death. I myself will change my oil and filter every 3k miles or 3 mos. I dont care what the oil is rated for or the recommended change.
On my 69 when I run it at the track and get it back home the first thing I do is change the oil.
Hope this gives you an idea of why dad says "change the oil boy.'

02silvaZ

iTrader: (12)

usually its worn out rings that cause compression loss, or an excessive build of residue or oil in intake manifolds is another thing

blacksnake

Up to a point, motors GAIN power as they age. Well maintained, an LS1 type motor will retain pretty much all of its horsepower to well over 100k.

406malibu

Ive heard from several drag racers/ builders that cars run the absolute best right before it blows up. it runs "lose"

lt1noob

iTrader: (4)

loss of compression due to the cylinders wearing out.