Greetings! I have a 94 toyota 4runner v6 manual transmission that is having performance issues. I took it to a shop to get diagnosed and turns out the exhaust is clogged. I have already replaced the catalytic converter so is it safe to assume the clog is in the muffler? Would love to get some input on how I can test to know exactly where the clog is.

 

1) when did you replace the cat?
2) did you do a rattle test? As in crawl underneath and bang on stuff to listen for crap rattling around?

start at the muffler and work your way towards the cat.

you could always undo the muffler and if it runs (yes it will be louder)way better than you have narrowed it down to the muffler

generally if you need to replace a cat it's time to look at the rest of the system needing attention

 

I replaced the cat about 2 weeks ago.
Just went and took the muffler off and took it for a drive to see if there is any improvement but it still runs like crap. (sounded mean though lol)
Also did a rattle test and everything sounded solid. Not sure what to do from here. Any suggestions?

 

By chance did the truck sit for a period of time ??

Rodents love to explore exhaust systems .

Why was your converter replaced ?

If the exhaust is really restricted and removing the muffler did not help it can only be for some reason your newly replaced cat has for some reason broke apart causing your restriction .

This sounds strange Did this lack of performance just start ??

Your comparing this to some other vehicle ??

Just what is your lack of performance issue??

 

No, don't assume anything. your cat could even be plugged up again, though not likely.
disconnect the exhaust ahead of the cat now that you tried the muffler.
The shop you took it to may have been guessing, how did they determine it was clogged?
Were they the ones who replaced your catalytic converter?
In order for anyone on this forum to help you we need you to describe your "performance issues" in detail!
All 3VZFE engines have "performance issues" that is why they are called the 3.slow, so let us know if this is a new issue, or if you just bought your first V-6 Toyota and just EXACTLY what it is doing.

 

110% this. Right now you have a new cat that did not resolve the un-described issue. So, based on what we're told so far, the shop misdiagnosed the issue and the shop has your money.

 

Oh wow. Another story of shop ownage. Lesson learned hopefully.

Join the diy movement. It's free and only costs you time. Like investing, the returns are decent.

x3 on recommendations.

 

Ok Time but your going to need a few more things then your multi tool and swiss army knife

 

Well of course.

Tool costs add up... especially if nothing in the box except for those

😁

 

Elk-

Where are you located. Might be someone close to you that could see it in person.

 

EGR stuck or plumb wrong.