Hi , i have a 91 vzn130r 4runner v6(3vze) auto .
excellent start up and idle but 100m after i drive off the engine light comes on and it loses its acceleration . If i turn the car off then start it again the engine light is off and it runs great again until i drive off then bang the basturd does the same thing .
I have replace the distributor cap , fuel filter and vac lines and checked the air intake system for leaks .
The knock sensor was replaced a few months ago but not the wire.
Im thinking it maybe either a bad injector , knock sensor wire , cat converter , fuel pump or a blockage in the fuel tank (fuel pump filter sock).
Any help very much appreciated.

 

Check the coils in the distributor. its not the knock sensor,

 

Ok, thanks for the suggestion , il check out the coils first thing tomorrow

 

It doesn't sound like the knock sensor, but to ME it does sound like a knock sensor wire (pig tail). If the pigtail is "bad" (open, shorted, bad shield) the ECU dramatically retards timing (and you lose acceleration) It should then throw code 52 or 53.

But we don't have to guess (or replace parts at random); just check for stored codes. Do you know how to do that?

 

yes i found the write up on checking codes just now , will give it a go and get back to you , thanks heaps for the help much appreciated !

 

i pulled one code , 2 flashes with a pause then folled by 5 flashes in a row , anyone know what this means?

 

Code 25 lean air/fuel ratio.
I would check for any vacuum/air leaks.

 

oops , just double and tripple checked the codes , i think it is 5 flashes pause then 2 flashes , code 52 ??

 

Well then refer back to scope's post as I concur with him, probably the KS wire/pig tail.

 

Ok thanks , il order another pigtail and see how i go .
One thing i do know after working on this motor is the people that designed the 3vze were a bunch of dumb arses ! my 6 yr old could design a better motor , cant believe how stupid they are , too busy sitting around tongue punching each others fartboxes rather than thinking about the practical side of things .
I bought this 4runner as a project and the bloody thing is starting to send me broke......never ever again will a 3vze see the inside of my workshop .

 

pulled out the top end of the motor this arvo and checked out the knock sensor wire , it looks a bit crispy and past its used by date , the terminals in the end plugs dont look too flash either .
its been leaking coolent out of the freeze plugs on top of the block and also leaking out the bypass pipe where it connects to the block .
Il bung some new freeze plugs in and change out the coolent bypass pipe then relocate the bloody knock sensor to a more sensible spot . Anyone know of a place that will post a knock sensor harness (pigtail) to Australia without charging an arm and a leg ?
Couldnt buy a toothpick to scratch your ass with around here , there is bugger all around and the parts shops that are around couldnt knock a sick chook off a piss pot ! useless .

 

Check the fuel rail pressure.