"Hesitation" above ~3,000 RPM

[junkyarddisco]

"Hesitation" above ~3,000 RPM - VIDEO

Searched, guess I couldn't think of the right combination of words. 1997 Discovery.

Background:

The junk yard disco is almost in shape! New water pump, viscous fan clutch, transmission, gear selector assy, new fuel pump (thanks pT!) and of course a set of new http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodye...eadwidth=&aspectratio=&rimdiameter=&sidewall=

I think I have successfully removed 95% of wires associated with the ghetto aftermarket alarm and stereo. In the process, may have hosed something up-

The problem:

Engine will get up to 3,000-3,200 RPM, then "kick down." If that is the proper terminology. I have replaced the passenger side anti-knock sensor (which had been torn out, the connector broken in two). I think this problem is electrical, for two reasons, (1) the engine successfully revved up to 5,000 RPM prior to complete dismantling of aftermarket stuff, and (2) I may have screwed up the foremost wiring harness that connects the alternator, anti-knock sensors, etc, because said "ghetto alarm" tapped into this for power and I wasn't having any of it.

Any suggestions on inhibitors, failed or disconnected electrical components that might prevent the engine from really opening up?

 

[abmiku]

Does it feel like you're hitting the max speed on a governor? If so, it may be your VSS.

 

[junkyarddisco]

don't know what a governor is - but willing to learn

hold that thought, I'm uploading a youtube vid of my drive in this morning, so you can hear what I am talking about

 

[jhmover]

If it acts like someone turned off the key for a second or so then turned it back on it's probably the VSS.

 

[junkyarddisco]

Alright, here we go-

It isn't as miserable as it sounds, I swear, I was trying to accentuate the effect so you all could hear what I am talking about. Text description for youtube video as follows:

"Transmission guy says once engine is top-top, bring truck back for re-timing between shifts. This is the sound you hear when I release the accelerator and wait for the shift.

It is still plain to be heard that (even with the tacho still inoperable - alternator works) the engine is not revving anywhere beyond around 3,000 RPM."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wekExWTsI_U

 

[Arnival]

Vss

 

[junkyarddisco]

alright, VSS, thanks Arnival

The article in the tech section looks like it should talk me through it. Two quick questions:

(a) if the VSS were faulty, would the speedometer still be reporting the correct vehicle speed, as seen in the youtube video?
(b) why would a faulty VSS have an adverse effect on engine performance while attempting to rev up in Park or Neutral?