Hey I posted on here about a month ago regarding my 3vze running badly. I checked all the basic stuff that you guys suggested, seafoamed it, new plugs and wires, new rotor and cap, cleaned my air filter maf and throttle body but it's still running real lumpy and unrefined (I know its a 3v so its not going to be smooth but...) its down on power and make loud rattling/clanking noises. I'm going to check my compression tomorrow and I'll post my numbers? Any suggestions I really dont want to take it to a shop because I don't have the money so any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

Sounds like a headgasket problem to me. That's exactly what my 92 sounded like before the headgasket blew.

 

I have the FSM and I'll post what the compression numbers are for you. Is there anything I can look up for you.

I'm gonna, hopefully soon, scan the FSM into either .PDF files or Word .doc but as every1 knows until then......

 

You have 382K miles on that V6?!

 

Down on Power, as in losing horsepower?

It really sounds like a head gasket problem. I assume you've checked your timing and hoses? Make sure theres no leaks in any of them. etc..

 

You've done the tunup stuff.
Other stuff would be clogged cat, bad 02 sensor, clogged fuel filter (common.)

Do a compression check before you go throwing money at it, as it could also be headgasket related and may even be so severe it warrents rebuilding the motor.

 

Ya I'm going to check the compression tomorrow, but I'm kind of afraid of what it might tell me. It has a relatively new O2 sensor last year, and don't know about the cat. Am going to change the fuel filter when I get a hold of one. Haven't checked timing as belt was done about 3 months ago so it shouldn't have changed. No leaks either. It only seems to be down on low end power above 3 grand power is the same as it was if not a little better (new parts cleaning etc probably helped). Thanks

 

loud clanking sounds like trouble;rod bearing or valve shim wiped!

 

That's a lotta miles man! The old girl might be getting tired> Do a compression test If I remember right 140 psi with no more diff of 10%, also your valves might need to be adj.,(The make a lotta noise when outta adj/spec) especially w/this high a mileage, the valves on the 3.0 are a pita, you will need shims, but w/that mileage a rebuild might be in the future! Take care! Good Luck!

 

burning coolant for long periods of time will foul a cat too

 

Sorry I'm a day late, plumbing problem here @home. This is taken directly from the FSM: 1.Warn up engine 2.Remove air cleaner hose 3.Disconnect cold start injector connection 4.Disconnect igniter connector 5.Remove spark plugs

Insert the compression guage into spark plug hole,
fully open throttle,
while cranking engine w/starter motor, measure the compression pressure.

Compression pressure:12.0 kg/cm (171psi 1,177kPa)
Minimum pressure:10.0 kg/cm (142psi 981kPa)
Difference between each cylinder: 1.0 kg/cm (14psi 98kPa) or less

*there is a little 2 behind the cm that signifies either to the second power, or the number is squared*

If compression is low in 1 or more cylinders, pour a small amount of engine oil into the cylinder through the spark plug hole and repeat test for each low compression cylinder.
*If adding oil helps compression, chances are the piston rings and/or cylinder bore are worn or damaged.
*If pressure stays low, a valve may be sticking or seating improperly, or there may be leakage through the gasket.