carrotjuice

Hey Guys,

I recently acquired a used 91 4Runner. There were some problems with it, and I got it fixed at my local auto mechanic. They replaced the O2 Sensor, Brakes, Shocks, and I recently did a synthetic oil change with a Toyota Oil Filter.

I'm currently averaging less than 80 km per tank which I think is purely ridiculous in terms of fuel economy. Any reason why my 4runner sucks in the gas like there s no tomorrow?

One thing I noticed was I need to press really hard compared on the accelerator in order to get the car going.

I'm really doubting this 4runner purchase, as I had to give up my 93 Mazda MPV to do so....

Thanks everyone.

CJM

Did ya tune it up? Plugs, wires, air filter?

Injectors couldbe old, sounds like its barely getting gas.

infiltrator

well, hello, welcome to yotatech.

as i tell everyone who asks the same question each week, i will refer you as i have everyone else. please search your question on this massive forum instead of asking the same question as 5 others per week!!!

the 3.0 is a gas sucker yes. its not a mpg saver thats for sure. its a truck. you dont like it, get a car man.

to make up for the gas mpg, 4runners are one of if not the most reliable trucks out there. they will keep you going for well over 200,000 miles.

if you change fluids, plugs, seafoam it, (SEARCH), and get good filters with smaller tires, you will get the best out of your truck.

Shoua

I have a '91 pickup with the 22re. I just got 150 miles only(!!!) on my last full tank. I don't gas it much, and I AM running 32's on stock gearing (in my 5-speed), but still! So you're not the only one.

Jay351

80km to a tank is crazy. Im getting around 320 now ( need new o2 sensor ). Is your timing correct? Did you do a full tune up (plugs,wires,cap,rotor,filter)?
What size tires do you have?

carrotjuice

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the quick responses. I decided to post because indeed, 80km to a tank is crazy..and I think unheard of in these forums. This week alone, I spent over $200 in gas in less than a week.

That being said, the mechanic said there was no need to do a full tune up, as the previous owner already did it (changed the plugs - brand new ngk, etc). I did however do myself a full syn oil change (mobil 1) and the engine looked pretty clean. I'm really confused now

standardbyker88

that could be a fuel leak somewhere. check all the soft lines and fittings. and inspect the tank itself. that is insane, and im used to v8 fullsizes...

elripster

I'm for looking leaks but that fact you have to get your foot into it so much is odd. Something is very very wrong.

What tires and gears are you running? It's not that a tire/gear mismatch will explain such terrible mileage, kM-age, but it's a start.

Frank

4rx

The gas gauge could be messed up. I am assuming that you are from Canada cause you said km. 80km equal 56miles. Im getting 350kms on one tank. There is definealty something wrong with it

89macrunner

Things to do:

Check timing
Change Plugs
change wires
Change cap and rotor
new fuel filter
seafoam
injector cleaned and rebuilt
new 02 sensor
check air pressure in tires

carrotjuice

One thing I noticed today..after I drove around and opened my motor oil cap to see inside, there was visible swirls of heat smoke coming out of the engine (the place where you put in the motor oil)

Does this now look like a bad head gasket?

Man..I'm really regretting the acquisition of this 4runner...I traded it in for a 93 MPV which didn't have problems, and I can list soo many problems this 4Runner is experiencing (at least 2 pages worth). I've already spent $600 in repairs!!

I know 4Runners are supposed to be reliable..but the one I acquired is a POS just waiting for more and more repairs! RANT

Godzilla

what kind of O2 sensor? Youll see on here that people get unfavourable results with anything but OEM.

Jay351

Yes, what brand of parts did your mechanic use?

Did he/they have anything to say about your millage woes?

Do you have any coolant in your oil? (check dipstick for rust)

skife

there has to be a leak somewhere, serious 60 miles to a tank, at least a 15 gallon tank.

thats like 4 miles a gallon...

Matt16

Maybe its a Lamborghini not a Toyota.

f4stunna

is there a lemon law in canada?

bring it back

GV27

Boy, I gotta go with leak too. That's 3-4 mpg. I just can't see the thing running THAT pig-rich without fouling the plugs. Does it smoke really bad?

edit: check for fuel in the oil as well. If it's delivering that much fuel to the cylinder it's gotta be washing down the walls and into the oil.

idanity

or the plug wires are not mated correctly.
check everything. maybe your brakes are dragging

Guardian_Saint

...I have also regret buying my 4runner back then but man they are fun to drive through the trial and is very comfortable to drive. It is a gas hogging truck, due to the weight w/ the 3.0, so if you have the ability to swap the 3.4 which is the newer toyota V6 engine, that engine will do more then what you can expect it to, more power, +20mpg/+25mpg, and less maintenence. We also have a MPV and yeah they're strong, I have use it to towed my 4runner about 60+ miles away and no problem at all. I have spent two thousand dollars fixing up this truck and it finally drive fine w/o any problem at this time, all maintenence are up to date. I have done a tranny swap, HG, etc.

The swirl of heat you are seeing is normal and is not an indicator of a bad head gasket. Ask other member here what are the symptom of a bad head gasket and other will specify the bad HG, so you won't be mistaking that you have a bad hg.

But at the end I kind of like the 4runner as it is a good fishing & hunting truck or DD.

davenjai

check the emergency brake.