'94 V6 5-speed Manuald; Driving problems

[ivbutch]

I have a '94 4runner v6 5-speed manual w/ 146k+ miles. When accelerating in 1st and 2nd gear no problems. Even under heavy acceleration. In 3rd, 4th & 5th gear, when accelerating, rpm revs high but the speed stays the same. When I let off the gas and let the rpms drop then accelerate slowly the speed accelerates with the rpms. But if I accelerate hard again the rpms go up but the speed stays the same. No lose of power. Just no gain of power. Any thoughts?

 

[drmorbius]

Sounds like the clutch is slipping. Try adjusting it first. If that doesn't fix it it's replacement time.

 

[ivbutch]

Thanks for the reply. I will check the clutch. However, while in 3rd, 4th, or 5th gear, and I am in gear, I am accelerating. Somewhere between 3 to 4 rpm and somewhere between 40mph and 50mph, the rpms shoot up but the speed slowly accelerates. Kinda like when the wheels are spinning, but they really aren't. Without touching the clutch I let up on the accelerator and allow the rpms to drop. I slowly press the accelerator and the speed increases with the rpms fine. Like the wheels have stopped spinning, if they where spinning, which they weren't. But if I were to accelerate hard again the rpms will shoot up again but the speed would either stay the same or slightly increase. Could it still be the clutch? I thought if it was a clutch problem it would happen no matter what gear I was in. Is a clutch problem easier to fix than a transmission, gearing, or timing belt issue?

 

[drmorbius]

You just described how a car acts when the clutch slips. To keep it from getting worse check the clutch free play adjustment . If this doesn't help let off the gas as soon as you feel the slip to save what clutch you have left. All I can say about trans and clutch removal is that it is much easier than an automatic trans especially if you are doing it yourself.

 

[ivbutch]

Thank you very much for the quick response. This is my first manual vehicle. Sorry for the ignorance. I am glad I describe it well. I certainly learned something. That is why I joined you guys. Thanks again.