Hello--

My 4Runner is running terrible... Within the last few weeks, the mileage has been 14mpg, mostly highway driving (Usually 20mpg). I get an intermittent CEL (a few blinks) at highway speed--doesn't happen too often, usually around 70mph. Car has 185k on it.

Codes are P0300, P0302, P0305

Anyway, checked Ohms on the coil packs--everything normal. Within 15k miles I've had: New plugs, wires, timing belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat.

Here's the kicker--I am picking up a ticking noise (follows the RPMs) from the front of the motor--sounds like it's coming from the timing belt. I took the top cover off and ran it and couldn't pick up where it was coming from--possibly lower, maybe from the tensioner?. I checked the timing and I think I'm 15 degrees or so off. It "feels" like the timing is off when I drive it--no power and then gradually I get a boost.

I'm leaning towards a failed tensioner or some kind of pulley problem. Would this cause a jump in timing? I couldn't get a wrench in to turn the pulley to line up the timing marks--I guess I could have done that, but the fan was in the way and I was freezing.... I'd investigate further, but it's too damn cold--will have to take it to a mech as I don't have a heated garage...

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

3.4 adjusts it's own timing;take it to a tech!
Bigblock

 

Are one of those codes for a knock sensor? I had one go bad and it ran like you are describing. It retards timing to safe guard the motor and is very noticable.

 

same problems came up on my 4runner as far as the poor performance, mileage, and ticking from the front of the motor whenever my crank pulley loosened to the point that it damaged the crank...

 

Thanks for the replies--

I've been reading about the crank pulley loosening issue, and how easy it is to mis-torque the bolt (or reuse it for that matter). This is really making me nervous... Taking it into the stealer this week to have it looked at and hopefully fixed (if it's not destroyed).

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Kris

 

See the article on the 3.4 Balancer Bolt... I'm taking bets as to how many miles the stealer's temp fix will last--so far, so good!! Hopefully it will last until we get warmer weather, so I can fix it myself...