Gutless Wonder

C

Copper460

New member
Hi Folks,

My 1990 T4R has no power especially at low RPM's. Meaning I doubt I could make it up a steep paved hill. Once I get rolling it does okay. But off the line, it is extremely weak. I have not yet done a compression check. I have cleaned the cap and rotor, replaced plugs. It helped a little bit.

I am new to the T4R so I thought I would ask if there is a common culprit. It has 219,000, so it could just be wearing out.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Forgot to add that it has the V6 with Automatic.
 
Last edited:
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What engine/transmission do you have?

I would start with a compression test and go from there. Have you replaced the basics, ie plugs/wires...

Welcome to the forum!
 
I have replaced the plugs, and cleaned the cap and rotor. Need to order new one though. It has the v6 and automatic.
 
Copper460 said:
I have replaced the plugs, and cleaned the cap and rotor. Need to order new one though. It has the v6 and automatic.
Click to expand...

Are we talking "can't make it up a paved hill" because it literally wont make enough power up the hill... or it just feels gutless?

are you on stock tires?

I ALWAYS say my 3.slow v6 sucks on inclines (4.56's with 33's, 5 spd) but... 150hp powerplant...what did you expect?

OR, are you saying there is some sort of mechanical failure causing your engine to run like s***?
 
Literally it does not make enough power to climb a steep hill. It has 32" tires. I am not expecting a rocket, but would expect it to go up a steep hill in first gear at 1 mph. It won't do that. If I go into 4 low then it will go. So I am wondering mechanically, if something is causing a power loss or if things are just worn out. The motor idles fine and runs okay. Just no power.

Thanks for the reply's.
 
Where are you located? In UT elevation mine only makes about 108 I think? I cant remember the dyno.

I imagine an auto one of these is pretty bad.

edit: how steep a hill? offroad?
 
I am located in Southern Oregon. We are about 4000ft. We have some steep paved roads I would guess at 50% probably more. I believe it has stock gears, so I am beginning to think this is as good as it gets.
 
i thought the autos got 4.88s?

its about right. you're 1800ft below me. try advancing the timing a smidge and try an itake and exhaust. I got my intake off ebay for something like $30. the exhaust Im building next to get rid of that horrible crossover.
 
Check the CAT mine lost a crap ton of power when it collapsed inside.

Has it ever had power? Is it getting worse? I would also check the ignition timing and mechanical timing if you can.
 
So I looked at the door jam. Maybe I am a bit slow. :) but I didn't see an axle ratio.

I have only had the 4R for about 1.5 weeks, so I don't have a reference as to whether it is worse than before. But I will check my timing.

Is there an easy way to check the CAT.

Thank you by the way for all the help.
 
So the 3.0 v6 is not a powerhouse to begin with, but it really should have no problem powering up a hill in first gear. Something is definitely wrong.

Standard culprits:

plugs AND wires. Make sure you have good Denso OEM wires.

Cat, exhaust and O2 sensor

Timing, distributor, cap and rotor

throttle positioning sensor (TPS)

Wrong gearing ratio to tire size. At 32" tires, you should at least have 4.56 gears 4.88 would be better especially on an auto.

Clogged fuel filter. The stock location sucks therefore it often gets overlooked.


If all that is fine, the do a compression test. Better idea would be to check compression first before throwing money at all those other parts. Do that and get back with us.
 
Copper460 said:
So I looked at the door jam. Maybe I am a bit slow. :) but I didn't see an axle ratio.

I have only had the 4R for about 1.5 weeks, so I don't have a reference as to whether it is worse than before. But I will check my timing.

Is there an easy way to check the CAT.

Thank you by the way for all the help.
Click to expand...
PM with your e-mail and I will send you the Factory Service Manual.
 
mikebontoft said:
i thought the autos got 4.88s?

its about right. you're 1800ft below me. try advancing the timing a smidge and try an itake and exhaust. I got my intake off ebay for something like $30. the exhaust Im building next to get rid of that horrible crossover.
Click to expand...

My 93 came w/ 4.88s. You are correct sir. I'm running 33s w/ 4inches of lift and have no issues going up hills, even loaded down with gear.
 
mikebontoft said:
stupid question but... can I just swap out the gears from an auto? lol.
Click to expand...

yes.
the 3rd will swap over. and the entire front would too.


to the OP, are you sure the transmission is shifting into first?

try manually shifting it, see if that makes any difference.

if for some reason its not downshifting, and starting out in 2nd, it would feel very gutless.
 
mikebontoft said:
i thought the autos got 4.88s?

its about right. you're 1800ft below me. try advancing the timing a smidge and try an itake and exhaust. I got my intake off ebay for something like $30. the exhaust Im building next to get rid of that horrible crossover.
Click to expand...

I don't think ALL autos came with 4.88 gears. Have only seen one G14 axle code @ the local pick a part and the rear third was already pulled. :rant:


really hoping it's just something dumb/small fix for the OP.
small maintenance> re gearing any day :cry2:
 
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