cracked91

Hi all, Im pretty new to toyotas period, but I recently got a 1990 4runner. It has zero power. Im talking a max of 35 miles per hour on steep hills. The check engine light has been on since I have had it, the owner told me it was an exhaust leak making an 02 sensor go crazy. But im starting to think that was BS. It has full headers with cherry bombs and a muffler, but no cats. . . . . it definetly sounded like an exhaust leak ticking at idle, but it did not even out at higher RPMs. Misfiring spark plug(s)? Also I took it to autozone to have them pull the ECM codes, they told me they could not do it to anything older than 92, but that there was some way to do it myself without a code reader?? Any help you guys can give me would be much appreciated.


Also, it only has 95k on it, and does not leak any fluids, so I don't really think the head gasket is going, but I could be wrong?

Jpepper

Hey,
I'm having the same problems with my 90 4runner too. I dont have the check engine light tho. When you come to a complete stop and then hit the gas does it go in first or does it bog down like its starting in 2 or 3rd?

904_runner

Search on how to check for codes.

You jump two connectors in your diaginostic box under the hood and count the number of times the cel flashes when you turn the key on.

cracked91

It bogs, definetly feeling like its starting from second. I think it may have to do with the 02 sensor though, right now it is running so rich it smells like I could light the exhaust fumes

WatsonToyota

3.0?? how many miles?? did you replace o2 censor/exhaust?? you should talk more to the PO and see what you can find out...

Jpepper

Yeah your runner is sounding more and more like mine. I'm gunna go and replace the co2 censor. I'll let you know if it helps me out any.... Good luck

PimpinUHos

Hey guys, when I first bought my runner, I had just got rid of a '91XJ with a 4.0. I had no power and had to run in 3rd gear to go 45mph uphill. Turned out the timing was just about backwards. - 15 or something. Easy fix. No time to check if it isn't that. 200% better at +5.

cracked91

Well, it only has 96k on it, but pull the plugs come to find out the oil rings are shot on 2 cylinders, getting alot of oil blow by and it keeps fowling the plugs, so ill just have to run it how it is until I can afford to get a long block

cracked91

well pulled the plugs and found that 2 of them are soaked in oil, im pretty sure the rings are out. So I might just have to drive it as is until I can get a new motor. Anyone know how much a head job or a rebuild would be? Oh and for reference it only has 95k

hermyboy3000

Cracked, check with toyota to see if the recall work has been done on your heads yet. If it hasn't been done, I believe Toyota is still doing that work at no cost to you.

By the way, I was having the same bogging issues with mine. Turns out there was a ton of slack on the accelerator cable, due to a busted rubber bumper-pad on the accelerator arm where it meets with the cable. I fixed that pad with some wire ties. Now my baby drives like a dream!

cracked91

I have heard its a really bad idea to mess with the timing tho, somethin about if you get it wrong you will blow the head gasket right away. I registered my vehicle on the toyota website, and the only recall I had was for my steering relay arm, so Im going to take it down for that, does that mean that they already fixed the heads?? Cause otherwise im probably just gonna get new heads for it soon. . . It only get about 10 mpg right now.

hermyboy3000

Write your VIN down and call the recall number on Toyota's website. There isn't a button to press when you call that number, so just try to reach a customer rep, They will be able to help you. The Toyota rep will be able to tell you exactly what recall work has been done on your Yota.