So, I'm just learning about carburetors vs EFI and getting a bit concerned. I picked up a 1987 4x4 22r with just 31k on it about two months ago. The owner just left it in his garage for about 20 years (to answer any wtfs?). Anyhow, it runs fantastically and I love the damn thing. The only problem is that I live and work seasonably in the mountains. Currently, I'm at sea level in Seattle and everything is dandy. But in about three weeks I leave for the Grand Tetons for one month and then Yosemite National Park for the entire spring and summer... with a bunch of mountains in between. I'm a park ranger/rock climber.

Is this going to be a problem? I don't offroad for sport or anything, but I definitely drive up to 10,000 feet on Tioga Road and will daily drive it around 4-7k fairly frequently...

I don't have any idea how to re-jet, nor do a 22r to 22re conversion... at least, not yet?

 

Lucky you!
Don't worry too much. Carb may be less efficient at altitude. But it's a Toyota- It won't get you stranded.

 

I don't foresee there being a "it just quit" issue, though it may run weak at altitude. But Toyota never stated "you must not drive this vehicle at 5K ft or higher!".

But you will be wanting for power on some climbs. It may get as weak as a 2nd or 3rd gear crawl to go up some grades. Just don't expect to be cruising up the grades cursing 18wheelers.... Because you'll be the little truck creeping between or behind them possibly....

Just take care of it, and it'll take care of you. Quality fuels, quality oils, regular service and filter changes, etc. Don't cheap out and get grocery store oil and then wonder why it's sludges up at 100K miles.

Good luck and be safe!!

 

You will be fine...I live i Wyoming and have a cabin at 9,500 feet. The air is less dense up here, so you will need to increase the ignition by about 3* to compensate for the elevation. A 22r is supposed to be timed at 0* or at TDC. Put the timing at about 3* BTDC with the vaccume advanced pluged on the dizzy when setting. That will bring you your power back at altitute. Don't forget to readjust when your back at sea level.

 

Great suggestion^^^ Something I would never of thought of if I was in that situation, I would of been looking at everything else for the problem. Sometimes the simplest things work the best.

 

Thank you so much. Just to quickly elaborate:

I will be driving up from the valley floor at 4,000 feet to Tuolumne at 9,000ft fairly frequently. A lot of these trips will just be daily - in and out - and others I will park the truck and hike into the backcountry for day.... sometimes weeks. And then back down to 4,000ft. I won't really ever be at 9,000 feet for an extended period of time.

Is this something that I should still adjust the ignition for? I am super new to working on my own truck, and haven't gotten past installing headlights and decals yet. The working on the engine still scares me... ugh. I went to youtube, but unfortunately I couldn't find any videos on how to adjust the ignition... any chance you could lay it out for a newb?

Thanks so much...

 

I should be more clear...it's ignition timing, not just ignition like I refered to it earlier. There are some good videos on youtube on how to adjust. It's simple.

I have a 22re and already live pretty high at 6200 feet year round. My cabin is at 9500 feet and I take the truck between the 2 elevations a lot in the summer. My base timing is suppose to be at 5* BTDC, but since the air is less dense up here...I run my ignition timing at 8* BTDC. This allows the actual combustion to take a little longer to happen. I never have to readjust anything between the two elevations and never think about it.

The 22r which you have, might be different because you don't have a ECU always making the fuel trims where they need to be. But, before you start changing the fuel ratios...start with the timing. Also, don't assume you will need to add more fuel at those elevations. Remember the air is less dense and reducing the fuel to match the less dense air works better than enriching it most of the time.

 

I worked in the Valley for a couple of seasons at the Ahwahnee hotel , loved it .

I don't have much input on the carb issue , but do be careful about your driving habits in the park . Specifically , don't speed and beware of your BAC if your into that . Ehh , but you said you were going to be some kind of ranger , maybe the LEO rangers will cut you a break if they pull you over .

Have fun , sometimes I wish I could go back there , let me know if you need and good recommendations on climbing routes . Tuolumne will probably be closed until early June .... have fun !

 

Thanks vman, I've been working in the park for a few years now (seasonably). I was dnc, but now making my shift over to nps. It prob won't be as much fun, but time to grow up I guess And totally know what you mean about LEOs.

Snobdds, I totally have no idea what you're saying. Is this something I can adjust by hand with a screwdriver, and by ear - or will I need tools and to remove things and put them back etc? Really, I don't know my way around an engine yet. But I'm here to learn. Thanks for the effort =)

 

Hey Snobbds, out there in WY, how's your 22re starting in subzero temps? I'm curious, as I'm about to drive a 22r out there... do you need a block heater? Park indoors? Thx.

 

Well, it has been cold here lately. Low temps at night have been around -20 below zero. We don't get this cold for long, but we do get it. I don't have a block heater or anything really. I do have a huge Die Hard Platimum Battery though and some 5W-30 Mobil 1 in her. She fires right up each morning with no issue. If your ignition system is in good shape and your battery is good...you should really have no problem.