Hi,

I am having engine problems. Around 50 mph, if i step on the gas slightly, my enging spasms, jerks,sputters, but not bad enough to stall or cause problems yet (still drivable). It also does this at a slow take off slightly. I have a 3rd gen runner with 195,000 miles. I'm going to try seafoam, but I fear this might be a bigger issue. Any one know what might be the cause of this? The check engine light has not come on by the way at all. Thanks a bunch.--P

 

its either clogged fuel line, your fuel pump could be shot.. im pretty sure it has somethign to do with fuel

 

Beside likely fuel delivery issues, I would wildly guess that there are some timing/misfire issues involved as well. If the CEL light didn't come on I would put my money on timing, but that's just an educated guess. Don't quote me on this

Marko

 

Don't think Seafoam will fix your problem. Might help but I don't think it's a fix...
Probably best to find out what might be the cause before dumping some detergent into the engine.

 

Swap out your fuel filter if you haven't done so in the last couple years. And look for a vacuum leak.

 

Have you checked your plugs?

 

fuel filter is always good to replace if your having a delivery issue

and yes vaccum lines also

is there crap in your tank?...

 

to answer some of your questions, I have done nothing to the engine since I bought it at 128,000 except change the oil periodically. I just got gas at costco and now it started this problem right after. My odometer is at 195,000 now. I wonder when my brakes will need replacing. But anyway, I would agree its something with fuel. The timing belt was replaced at about 120,000, I have the dealer invoice. Still could be though. Thanks for the replies. Anyone know a good shop in the south bay area?(CA) --P

 

Hey I just did a tune up on a lite ace van over here in Japan. It could start rolling fine but if you tried to floor it suppter suppter...gag wheeze....die....I opened it up to put the parts in and AIR FILTER fell apart in my hands.....the thing had a mfg date stamp on it that was ten years old and the sticker on top of the filter can was from the shop replaced it last was more than 8 years back......Every one here is saying your not getting enough gas.....could it be that you are getting too much gas and not enough air????? After the tune up and air filter chage that lite ace ran like a champ......

 

Again, you need to check the plugs, or at least a couple of them. They will tell you a lot about what is going on in there. Too lean, too rich, etc. Please pull one if you don't discover the obvious.

 

ok, I'll pull a plug and let you know.( Also, I'll check my air filter.) Maybe I should get new ones since they haven't been replaced for , oh, 85,000 miles.--check back in later thanks!

 

My bet is on the filter.

 

so far tonight I have changed out the plugs and cleaned my amsoil air filter. Tommorrow I will change the fuel and oil filter and of course the oil. The plugs were really worn down. The top of the plug that looks like a small cylinder now resembled a triangle. Sounds better already, but the the check engine light is still on. By the way, my timing belt was change at 123,000 miles. I now have 196,000 miles. I would think it's still good. Thanks!--P