SMOTT

hey guys,
i just became a member to this today.. i here nothing but good things so i was hopen to get some help if you dont mined.
i bought i 91 4runner automatic v6 sr5.
it has 156k on it and motor runs fine. but when i push on the gas the rpm's go up but i have no power at all. barly gains speen shifts a little hard as well. i was told this is my torque converter. is that accurate? and if so is it hard or expensive to replace? how do i fined one? i want to stay away from replacing the whole tranny if possible of course.
thank you for your replies, any help is appreciated.

thank you,
steve

Bobzombie

Check fluid?
More details on the shifting?
Does it change when it warms up?

SMOTT

the shifting is just a little jolty-er then it should be. but that is not as bad as the loss of power when i step on the gas. i really have no power when it shifts down to excelerate. the rpm's jump up like they should but thats it. could it be the torque converter?

SMOTT

does anyone know if this sounds like the torque converter?

abecedarian

Definitely check the transmission fluid level and pay attention to the color and smell of it- if it's not red, i.e. brown or even clear, or smells burned it should be replaced.

You can test the torque converter by putting the trans in gear, setting the parking brake, stepping hard on the brake pedal then floor the accelerator for no more than a few seconds (don't want to overheat the transmission). The engine should rev to no more than about 2000 rpm's. If it rev's higher than that if could be the torque converter or could be worn clutches in the trans, worn fluid pump, problem with the valve body....

SMOTT

thanks for the test info i will do that when i get off work and tell you what it does. if it happens to be the torque converter is that an expensive fix for the part? i will also change the fliud.
thanks again.
(its nice to have everyones help )

Steve

abecedarian

The converter I bought last year for my 22re was like 130 dollars- and was the same price as the v6's, at least where I bought mine (local machine shop). There are different converters available so you should figure out which transmission you have to help narrow it down- should be on the decal on the driver's door jamb and look something like a340d, or similar.

SMOTT

so i took it to aarco and they did a test drive and said that my trany is fine. that i might need to get it flushed and change fluid but that it is working fine. i also took it to a muff shop to check the cat and he said it doesnt seemed to be plugged. im at a loss on what else it would be to loose the amount of power that i have in that 4runner.
Anyone have any clue or any ideas what else i should have checked?
thanks,
steve

abecedarian

Even though they say the trans is good, it might still be a good idea to service the fluid and filter.

Next things to consider would be tune up stuff- plugs, wires, etc., making sure the ignition timing is set properly, air filter is good.

Do you know if any mechanical work's been done on the engine- timing belt, head gasket, etc?

SMOTT

well i did the tune up last month. about a week after i bought it. i did the plugs and wires, cap and roter, air filter and fuel filter. (the fuel filter was a pain. the cap was so worn down im suprised the old one still worked. but all that i have alreay done. other then that i have a list that was hand writen by the privius owner. i can look that over and tell you whats on it. there are also copies of reciepts as proof.
i will make an appointment to do the service on it this week.

do you think that it just needing to be serviced would cause this much of a power loss? i mean there is a big loss in power.. rpms move up fine when i slam the gas but the veh does not pick up speed hardley at all

RMA

Dude.. welcome to the world of the 3vze and an automatic.

SMOTT

can you help me ? lol
its so crazy that ever shop i call even a trany shops says they dont know!!

sbecker 94 4-runner

Start by changing fluid and filter, then add seafoam when filling back up. This will be the cheapest way to find out. If that don't cure it then its probably in the torque converter or even in the valve body. Probably wouldn't hurt if you have to pull the tranny to have everything rebuilt or replaced will you have it out. This will be more cost effective in the long run since you have 150k on it.

SMOTT

What would be a round about price for rebuilding?

UKMyers

That engine tranny combo is a dog! They were underpowered when brand new. If a shop said your tranny is fine and you just did a tune up then like what was already mentioned welcome the 3.slow world.

Also please please please utilize the search feature rather than just demanding information. There are mountains and mountains of threads already on here concerning rebuilding the 3.0.. no need to start more.

sbecker 94 4-runner

smott, I did a total rebuild, machine work, heads redone, the whole works, it was around $2500

Texas91Runner

Agreed. Welcome the the renowned "3.Slow".

abecedarian

Another thing that just popped in my head...
When the tune up was done, did you check / set the timing?

SMOTT

abecedarian- no I never checked the timing. thats actualy something i should have thought about though it would make since about the loss of power.. (thank you) i will look into it.

thook

Hello Smott,

Did you get anywhere with this? I just logged in and saw your PM. I'll have to log in later today when I have more time to offer some troubleshooting ideas. It's true the 3.0 with the auto is a slug to accelerate, but it shouldn't be that bad.........whatever you're meaning by "bairly gains speed". And, it shouldn't be hard shifting, either.