My mother decided to buy this 87 turbo runner. Problem is its real doggy, and i have no idea why. Thing runs great, doesnt sputter, idles great, no smoke, but had no get-up-and-go. Anyone have any suggestions?

Heres what I've checked or fixed, that could be related:
New Vacuum lines
new exhaust manifold gasket
new camshaft
new (used but good) rockers
new timing chain
new cap rotor wires plugs
timing is good
no check engine light

Thanks for any help anyone might have!

 

OH and btw, once its running like a champ, and all the other little things are fixed, its for sale.

 

Are you sure boost is coming on at all?

 

well if you listen to the digital dash, the boost meter rise up 3 to 4 bars (about 1/3 to 1/2) of the way up. but i have no idea what the equates to in pressure and what the normal operating levels are.

 

How many miles are on it?

 

190k ish... dont quite remember off the top of my head, but somewhere around there.

 

Any idea if the turbo has ever been rebuilt?

 

I highly doubt it.

 

Wow, that is a lot of miles on a stock turbo. There should be a boost port somewhere on the intake manifold that you can tap with a boost gauge. I am curious to know how much boost it is producing and at what RPM. Another possibility is that the wastegate is stuck open or something, but that would be confirmed by the boost (or lack thereof).

This is just a possibility; by no means is it a definite solution to the problem.

 

Ya, but its heading in the right direction.... thanks Christian. Any idea where the port is at? Also i wonder if you could use a compression checker as a makeshift boost gauge. Thanks again, and if you have any other ideas, please post!

 

Well, I would imagine you are not pushing more than 10psi at full boost, so it really depends on the scale of the compression checker. Also, some compression checkers have a weird end on them, right? You would simply need a vacuum line. You can actually plug into any unused port on the intake manifold to get a boost reading. But, ideally, you would want to find the line for the stock boost gauge and just use that. Sorry, but I don't know where that would be. Oh, and you will need to run the boost gauge into the cabin so you can see it while driving - unless you want to duct tape it on the hood or something.

Another idea is to get a day pass at the TIS website and download the PDF/troubleshooting section for lack of power. I am not sure if they have the FSM for the turbo, but I don't see why not. You can download all you want for $10 (in 24 hours).

 

I got an FSM for the thing, we are good there. I know where the vacuum line for the boost gauge is too, for anyone that wants to know, the boost sensor is the thing farthest back on the pass fender, with 1 vacuum line running to it... should say toyota boost sensor on the top. I'll see if I cant rig something up to it and figure out how to check it.... problem is, what if the boost is decent (4-6psi)?

 

Then we will start to look elsewhere, like compression. Actually, a compression check is probably a good idea anyway...

 

Ya, I already thought of doin that at the same time as a boost check. I'll let ya know how it turns out.

 

you can get just a cheap ol VAC tester ,should have a vac side and should show pressure like for a reg carb fuel pump ,thats what i used to check mine ,almost any port on the intake you can use after the throttle body and short out the Check Enigne connector ,make sure the idle drops when you short it ,and check the timing.

 

sweet, how much one of those run?

 

ther epretty cheap i think ,under 20 if i remember

 

My xcab flys upon acceleration. 33+mpg highway. Tight truck with 45k on it. At least they run good when low miles. Totally stock. This 86 looks like new.

 

You scared me for a second, 3 to 4 bar is 45 to 60psi. That would make the truck move for sure.

 

LOL, no not 3 to 4 bar..... ya that would make it move.