ricker2278

First time poster, long time reader. I recently bought an 87 4runner 22re auto 4wd (200k miles). I'm having two problems which are probably related....and I'm stumped. First I'm only getting about 13mpg, my daily drive is about 60 miles round trip and I average about 50mph. Second, I can barely hold my truck at 60mph going on flat ground in OD and at idle the exhaust smells rich. It seems to have decent power at 3000rpms and above, but below that (like when its in OD at 60mph at 2300rpms) it just starts gradually slowing down no matter how hard I hit the throttle. Also it will barely spin the tires on gravel from a complete stop. So far I have replaced the cap, rotor, plugs (NGK), and coil(Accel stock replacement). That seemed to help with the power issue, but it faded after about a week. I checked the timing, as per the FSM procedure(ie jumper), its just over 12 degrees at idle and around 5 with the jumper. One thing I did notice when I was doing that was when I give it just a little throttle the timing advances like crazy. If I were to guess, since it's past the timing plate, it would be between 30-40 degrees. I'm not sure if it's supposed to do that or not. I also metered the TPS(good) and the MAS(good). It looks like the previous owner tweaked it (caulk around the cover of the MAS), so I turned it clockwise a few teeth to lean it out and the exhaust smells better and I noticed a little more power at WOT. I also temporarily bypassed the ERG which gave it a little better throttle response but I still can't keep it at 60mph. Besides what I listed there are no mods, lifts, or larger tires. The previous owner removed the cat and the AC, along with the vacuum assist. I did do a vacuum test which was about 15in/HG. I also did a compression test, all cylinders read around 125psi -\+5psi. I know that's a little low but my test gauge is cheap and it leaks. I also jacked up each tire and checked for drag (all good). So I guess what I really want to know is what else do you suggest I do to fix these problems or is the power issue normal for a truck this old? Also do any of you guys know if the timing should advance that far above idle?

Thanks in advance

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Have you driven another 4Runner like yours? You say it has power above 3k RPM but struggles at around 2300 RPM? That sounds about right for a 4 cylinder. Plus you have an auto so that multiples the sluggishness.

jennygirl

I have an 87 5spd 4cyl, and power at 2k-2500 is some of the best there is- until you get to around 3200 where it has a really nice bump up. I rarely have to get into that unless I'm carrying 4 other people going up a hill. My compression is 170-177 for reference.

I know there is probably a substantial difference in gearing and power to the wheels auto vs 5spd, but there is definitely something up if you can barely maintain 60. That is just not right. Plus, 13mpg is much too low for long distance highway traveling at that speed. You should be at 18-19 minimum.

Maybe when the AFM was still funked it fouled your plugs again (before you fixed it). If I were you I'd try #1) installing an unmodified AFM and #2) redoing plugs if they are indeed fouled. I have read that with a super rich mixture, it does not take long for them to foul. Minutes!

Good luck & let us know how it goes Maybe you'll get some better suggestions, too. Like I said, I know basically nothing about auto trannys aside from the obvious. Wishing you the best

ricker2278

Thanks for the quick replies. I used to have a 95 PU 5pd 2.7 which was much quicker but that is to be expected....bigger motor, less weight, 5pd. I expected it to be slow with the auto trans and bigger body, and to tell the truth I could deal with the sluggishness if I could get higher mpg's. Although I'm hoping to improve both, the main thing that is bugging me is the timing. It advances to 30-40 with just a little throttle, that is with and without the jumper. Is that normal?

Also the PO said he recently replaced the timing chain.

Thanks again.

87hoerunner

No my 89 4runner 22re with auto would run 75-80 on interstate here in georgia with 31x10.50 15 mud claws. Average mileage was around 18.5 - 19 mpg. I just finished swapping mine to 5 spd ill let you know how the difference feels but somethings not right with that.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

You did not replace the wires or that was just forgotten when posting??

Fuel and air filters ??

Bad coolant temp sensor telling the ecu the engine is cold allowing the cold start injector to spray fuel all the time.

Any of the injectors stuck open from rust this ethanol is hard on fuel systems.

When you pulled the plugs what did they tell you??

Driving with the Hubs locked or does it have those automatic hubs ??

Automatic hubs not one of Toyota`s better ideas

Is the CEL on at all or has the bulb been removed or burnt out??

Does it look like the front of the engine was apart