I am trying to figure out what is wrong with my Father-In-Law's 86 4Runner. You start it up and drive it for a bit and it starts to lose power. It hesitates and RPM drops. You can try to rev the engine, but it doesn't go beyond 1500 - 2000 RPM. Pull over, turn off the ignition, wait a few minutes, start it back up and revs are back to normal. You drive for a bit and it starts all over.

Fuel pump? Ignition? Distributor? Any suggestions on where to start looking for the problem? Any suggested fixes? Cheap fixes are the best - naturally.

 

Test the fuel pressure. Could be picking up junk in the tank or pluging in the filter.

 

yep id start by going to grab a fuel filter and throw on it

 

Check for codes. I hope it's not the dreeded 52 code.

 

Always check for codes (there can be stored codes w/o a CEL). Always check the ignition timing (it can cause your symptoms, is easy to do, and you have to do it anyway). A timing light is $20, and you'll use it a lot.

But I agree with Co94pu; it sounds like crud in the tank that's getting sucked into the sock. Testing the fuel pressure is the way to tell. You'll need some way to see the gauge as you're driving (you might need to drive with the hood popped; use a piece of rope as safety). You'll need the banjo bolt adapter, but this set http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16173 comes with it.

Let us know what you find.