Tippmann27

Hello.

My 89 4runner is gutless. And I don't mean 4cyl gutless. I am alone in the truck going up a simple hill (on an interstate highway) and in 5th gear, going 65, I have to drop down to 4th, which guts my truck, to 3rd gear JUST to maintain 50mph.

I can barely spin the tires from a stop. ( I haven't gone out of my way to rev the crap out of the engine before dropping the clutch) but this is somewhat new. It use to have balls.

It's a rebuilt 22re 6 months old, Tires are not large, brand new clutch in july.

It also likes to (what I call) breath. Rev up, and down, up and down, up and down. Only when it's warmed up and been driven for a while.

Can anyone throw suggestions of where to start?? my poor runner!

NicCantDecide

Check your vacuum lines, do a compression check (and check your spark plugs and wires while you're at it).

I'll bet its just a loose vacuum line. I've had symptoms like that because of it.

Flash319

You have a vacuum leak or air in your coolent and/or idle is to high. If your idle is above 1000RPM when warm the idle will start searching. You should idle at 750rpm.

I would also check your timing as they may be causing the power problem. Set it to 5-8 TDC with jumper in. If your light is showing 15-20TDC when at idle your TPS needs adjusting or is NG. When you stick the jumper in, the idle should change, this will indicate that your TPS is good.

If all this is good, welcome to the word of the most dependable, underpowered gas hog 22RE. I Love them.........

abecedarian

several things can cause the idle to hunt: vacuum leaks, coolant temp sensor, thermostat, a weak cylinder, incorrectly set timing, valve adjustments

how many miles on the engine?

zachw90

check the intake hose, make sure there are no cracks in it. My 4runner was doing that same thing and that COULD be it

Tippmann27

The "rebuilt" motor like I said, has about 5-7k on it.

Vacuum sounds possible. I'm not sure where to start, but I will look into that first.

I don't know how much this matters, But my heater blows. It's at best luke warm air coming out. Not a complaint, more of a "why". The previous owner drove the truck without a thermo in it. Because of the climate. I have put one in and that temp solved an idle and heater. It seems to not be helping now. I have yet to re-replace the thermo.


thanks all for your continued assistance.

kennyboy019

Well if your thermo was bad then you wouldnt get much flow through your heater core.
Now, I did replace my thermostat and I still only have luke warm air. The coolant I took out was more brown then green, so Im thinking my core is shot...

Tippmann27

I just wanted to make sure there was no more comments on the runner.

I'm working on thermo (had massive snow here in portland, oregon area, and all I did was drive people around like a taxi service.) had no time for anything. On a side note, 4wd works great! =P

I remember taking it in and having it checked for a fuel leak (which they did not find yet I can see it dripping) and they replaced the thermo. So I can do it again, but I wasn't sure if there was a better suggestion about the lack of heat from the vents.

also, Would the vacuum cause the lack of power? or compression and a whole mess like that?

thanks everyone. I've been inside an out my old s-15 GMC, this is my newest vehicle i've owned (89, haha) and I'm just in new territory. Thanks for your continued help.

just a 22re

where are you at maybe theres someone on here that lives near ya

k91

Sounds exactly like my truck. 1994 22RE with 116K on it. I've replaced cap, rotor, wires, plugs and no improvement. I did a compression test and while I don't remember the exact numbers it was within spec. If you figure it out let us know and I'll do the same.

desertcox05

clogged cat can cause it too

Tippmann27

sorry. been a hectic first two weeks of college. (yes yes...)

I'm in Portland area, Oregon.

My poor truck. I love the thing to death, but as soon as I get in it and drive, I want to get rid of it! it's painful to drive. >_>


No, really. I'm keeping it, I just wish it had some balls. It's soooo light, but no guts. Doing the things you asked these next two weeks. I'll get back to you guys.


I do appreciate all the help.

Shaun

Benny89

get a can of starting fluid, be careful where and how much you use, but start to spray it on vacuum lines, you will know when you find it because the leak will suck up the spray and make the engine rev up a bit