Misfire and won't rev over 3k

[charlesakamush]

just picked up a project 3rd gen 4 runner and im wondering what might be the cause of the car not revving over 3k rpm? The car idles well and runs great under 3k, (Drove it 300 miles home on the highway like that.) just whenever I go to get on it and accelerate it almost hits a rev limiter at 3k and starts misfiring. its not a clogged cat as I removed them both and it still does the same thing. any ideas? thanks

 

[davidch]

On a '96 Tacoma (same 5vz-fe engine) with a similar problem the issue turned out to be a failing fuel pump. (It had ingested the little clip that holds the sock filter to the pump).

The pump would get enough fuel to the injectors to get to about 3000 rpm, and no more.

So, you could start by checking fuel pressure.

Failing spark plug high tension leads would be another place to look.

 

[thezentree]

What codes is it throwing?

 

[Forgetful]

Check your spark plug wires as they terminate on plugs, I had one dry rot and crack. Looking down on the spark plug hole at night you could see the ark flashing.