Hey all, bought 92 4runner with bad head gaskets, ran fine otherwise, took apart, replaced head gaskets, reinstalled intake with new gaskets, starts up, no smoke, wont idle well, surges when idling, when revved up smoothes out. When driving, car is missing off the line, doesn't feel right, has no power (even less than normal for 3.0) Im at my wits end, have checked and rechecked everything, vacuum lines, checked for leaks, replaced plugs, cap ,rotor, when running and unplugging plug wires, I get good strong spark from each, and engine starts missing a lot more, so think the wires are good. Like I said before, everything ran fine before I did gaskets, motor went back together without issue, didn't take apart manifold or remove injectors, so nothing there should have changed. I don't want to dump any more money on just replacing things trying to fix them, so if anyone is in the San Antonio area, knows 4runners and works on the side, please contact me and let me know if your interested in taking a look. I have checked through the forum for advice, and have tried and checked everything ive run across. Thanks:redbrick:
Anyone in San Antonio and work on runners?
- Thread starter iguanaman
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
85straight
New member
1.Google how to Check your idle
2. Google toyota mechanic in your area, but any actuall mechanic should have no problem with a 4runner....i mean these trucks are special, but not that special
2. Google toyota mechanic in your area, but any actuall mechanic should have no problem with a 4runner....i mean these trucks are special, but not that special
2ndGen4runner4x4
New member
Almost sounds like the timing belt may be off a tooth.
Does it run better when cold?
Is the check engine light on after you drive it around?
What codes are you getting?
Will it rev up to 4000rpm's or so or does it bog out?
Does anything in this thread sound familiar?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/158574-starting-lose-faith-my-4runner.html
Also - There is a guy on SA craigslist that is parting out a 1994 3.slo 2nd gen over in Boerne. I have bought a few parts from him at very reasonable prices. PM me if you need his number.
Does it run better when cold?
Is the check engine light on after you drive it around?
What codes are you getting?
Will it rev up to 4000rpm's or so or does it bog out?
Does anything in this thread sound familiar?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/158574-starting-lose-faith-my-4runner.html
Also - There is a guy on SA craigslist that is parting out a 1994 3.slo 2nd gen over in Boerne. I have bought a few parts from him at very reasonable prices. PM me if you need his number.
Last edited:
reply to your reply
Hey, thanks for the reply, have checked and rechecked timing, all lines up good on belt, it seems better when cold, not getting any codes and revs up fine, no bogging, smooths out with higher revs.
Hey, thanks for the reply, have checked and rechecked timing, all lines up good on belt, it seems better when cold, not getting any codes and revs up fine, no bogging, smooths out with higher revs.
and checked the thread, doesn't sound like any issues I have, other than being fed up with this thing right now! When driving it have no power and chugs like a rev limiter, I saw that the knock sensor will do this, and all the wiring to the sensor was taped up, but when I pulled the mess apart and unplugged it, it threw a code for the knock sensor, plugged the mess back in and code goes away, so seems like knock sensor is working.
2ndGen4runner4x4
New member
Does your check engine light come on when you start it and then go away? I would check for codes anyway.. it's real easy to do.
What happens if you try to close the throttle even more with your hand? Does it idle down more? Could be a dirty throttle plate that got jostled around when you had it apart.
What happens if you try to close the throttle even more with your hand? Does it idle down more? Could be a dirty throttle plate that got jostled around when you had it apart.
Yep, light comes on and then goes out, when I push down the throttle it does idle down, will start to burble and die usually, I will check it for codes tonight, see what comes up, thanks.
Also, congrats on getting yours figured out, saw some pics, looks like pretty much how I want to set mine up, mainly got it to take to the beach, really like how yours is set up.
SkylineGTRracer
New member
Have you checked the fuel system? Pump, pump sock, filter, lines, etc..
Ok, after taking apart the mess of wires wrapped around my knock sensor wire under throttle body, originally didn't get any codes, then when I unplugged it, light came on with knock code, plugged back in, light went off, then battery terminal broke off. Replaced battery terminal, immediate engine light, code 52 (knock sensor), checked and wire is connected but only two bare terminals, swapped wires, still same code. Guess Im going to look for a knock sensor and wiring harness, wasn't getting this code before (until I messed with it) Google the knock sensor and description of a bad one is some of my symptoms also, when I removed the manifold to do the heads, this plug and wires were taped up from previous repair, I should have unwrapped it and seen what was there under the tape. Time to blow some more money, or push it off a cliff!
2ndGen4runner4x4
New member
Sounds like you are on the right track with the knock sensor circuit.
Don't push it off a cliff just yet... you have to spend way more time and money when it comes to 2nd gens! :wof:
Please post back what happens.
Also - Where do you hit the beach at? We go down to "Bigshell" at the SPI National Seashore down by Corpus. There is lots of sand to drive on and we beach camp, surf fish and drink beers. Next trip is June or July maybe.
Don't push it off a cliff just yet... you have to spend way more time and money when it comes to 2nd gens! :wof:
Please post back what happens.
Also - Where do you hit the beach at? We go down to "Bigshell" at the SPI National Seashore down by Corpus. There is lots of sand to drive on and we beach camp, surf fish and drink beers. Next trip is June or July maybe.
Last edited:
Havent been to bigshell in awhile (since I sold my CJ) got this one in the hopes of setting it up to take down there. My daily update: wasn't freezing today so checked my wiring to knock sensor, ohmed out both ways, saw which ones went to ground and shield respectively, hooked them back up, disconnected battery to reset system ,drove it around and no check engine light at all, still runs crappy though, I can get the knock for $25 on ebay, think that might be worth a try.
Tried the knock sensor, harness and TPS, no more code but still runs as crappy! I do believe im done. other than the missing at start, from what ive read, they really have nooooo power so I think its probably normal over 1500 RPM where missing stops, anyway, posted it to sell, thanks to all who gave advice or looked over the thread!
