Loss of power uphills [2nd gen 1992]

[ryantzor]

Hey guys so my buddy was riding with me uphill in the colorado mountains, he was concerned when i told him i typically have to keep my 4runner in 3rd at about ~35-40 mph and ~3k-4k rpms depending on the grade of hill. (he's a mechanical engineer so i trust his opinion to check things out)

Is this normal for a 92'? Or should i go ahead and check my engine compressions and look at the injectors? I'm new to engine work, i've mostly done axle work. I've also read this could be a fuel filter as well. A million possibilities, just not sure I need to do anything at all.

Let me know guys thanks!
:whoo:

 

[fourwd1]

Sounds more like a clogged cat converter, not a fuel filter.
How many miles?

 

[89FourRunner]

Sounds normal to me.

What is your altitude? You said you were up in the mountains. At a high altitude with a 200,000 miles 3VZE climbing a grade I would imagine you would need to be in 3rd, definitely.

I don't think you have a problem.

 

[ryantzor]

Sounds more like a clogged cat converter, not a fuel filter.
How many miles?

I got a new cat pretty recently (3 months ago) I don't think that is the issue. i have about 198,000 miles on there

 

[ryantzor]

Sounds normal to me.

What is your altitude? You said you were up in the mountains. At a high altitude with a 200,000 miles 3VZE climbing a grade I would imagine you would need to be in 3rd, definitely.

I don't think you have a problem.

about 10k elevation. I thought it was pretty normal too for that older engine but i really wanted to make sure

 

[ryantzor]

This answer seemed to clarify that it is not a big problem.

https://community.cartalk.com/t/wha...titude-10-000-feet-on-a-cars-performance/7024

 

[RonJR]

3rd gear is pretty normal uphill in the Colorado mountains, but it should run about 55-60 at 4K rpm, not 35-40. That's assuming 4.56 gears and 31 inch tires.

4000 rpm in 3rd is my normal MO when heading up I70 west of Denver on the big hills. The 3vze will run all day like that.

 

[ryantzor]

3rd gear is pretty normal uphill in the Colorado mountains, but it should run about 55-60 at 4K rpm, not 35-40. That's assuming 4.56 gears and 31 inch tires.

4000 rpm in 3rd is my normal MO when heading up I70 west of Denver on the big hills. The 3vze will run all day like that.

Not sure what my gear ratios are, as far as I know all the gears are stock. I am just afraid of pushing my rig past 3k RPMS so i'm sure it would run about 50 mph at 4k

 

[RonJR]

40 mph at 4000 rpm would be right for 2nd gear. If you're having to drop to 2nd on the highway (assuming no towing), you definitely have a power problem.

 

[ryantzor]

40 mph at 4000 rpm would be right for 2nd gear. If you're having to drop to 2nd on the highway (assuming no towing), you definitely have a power problem.

Okay so i don't think i have an issue then. If i go up a 6% grade in the rocky mountains i could hit 45-50mph in third gear at 4k RPM. Sounds like everyone here says that is pretty normal.

 

[RonJR]

Not sure what my gear ratios are, as far as I know all the gears are stock. I am just afraid of pushing my rig past 3k RPMS so i'm sure it would run about 50 mph at 4k

Don't be afraid to go past 3K rpm. That's where the 3vze is just getting started. The sweet spot of that engine is between 3K and 4K. It's a small stroke, small bore engine and will run at 4K happily. In fact, you're more likely to blow a head gasket by lugging at 2000 rpm than by running at 4000, because the cylinder pressures are much higher at the lower rpm, assuming full throttle.

I've towed my 2300 lb popup over Monarch pass over to Ouray multiple times with the '94. 8-10 miles continuous uphill, 2nd gear, 40mph, 4000 rpm, never moves the temperature needle or shows any signs of stress.

Seriously, much of the "no power" reputation of the 3vze is because people fail to operate it in the power band. It's not a Cummins diesel; don't drive it like one.

 

[128keaton]

Don't be afraid to go past 3K rpm. That's where the 3vze is just getting started. The sweet spot of that engine is between 3K and 4K. It's a small stroke, small bore engine and will run at 4K happily. In fact, you're more likely to blow a head gasket by lugging at 2000 rpm than by running at 4000, because the cylinder pressures are much higher at the lower rpm, assuming full throttle.

I've towed my 2300 lb popup over Monarch pass over to Ouray multiple times with the '94. 8-10 miles continuous uphill, 2nd gear, 40mph, 4000 rpm, never moves the temperature needle or shows any signs of stress.

Seriously, much of the "no power" reputation of the 3vze is because people fail to operate it in the power band. It's not a Cummins diesel; don't drive it like one.

This!! This post is correct! Do the ISR mod and it will really wake up the 3VZE beyond 2.8k. Highway at 4k is great!

 

[ryantzor]

Thanks guys love this forum great people great advice like always!