[brucepick]

Hmmm. Must be something causing this. No ghosts involved, it's physics and mechanics etc.

Use the ScanGauge to tell you as much as you can get from it. In my car I can see system voltage, engine temp (displayed as ºFWT), intake air temp (ºFIA), and ignition advance (IGN). Another good one is the open/closed loop indication, I can't recall offhand what it's labeled but I think you'll recognize it.

Anyway, if it's not warming up properly, or not going into closed loop operation, or voltage is down (not a likely issue but the info is free!), it might point you in the direction of figuring out what's going on.

I definitely would check the timing with a timing light. Be sure to find the right procedure in a manual - usually there's a vacuum hose to disconnect, or a wire to jump or disconnect somewhere, to check the advance. If it's retarded, you'll lose power.

FYI - The IGN info on the ScanGauge is from the computer, course. At least in my car, it's what the 'puter intends, and is based on the timing being adjusted per spec. If the ign timing is mechanically adjusted wrong, the displayed information doesn't reflect that error.

In my car's case, it had a burned valve, and was also leaking oil into the cylinders via the valve guides. The only cure was a head rebuild. I hope yours is less expensive than that!!