My 4Runner tok a crap today....

[the_dingman]

I was on my way to work, about 5 miles from home when I suddenly noticed a big lack in power. I made it home, and could reach decent speed, but I needed to be at much higher RPMs before shifting, and most of the way it felt like I was in too high of a gear (that shaking feeling).

When I got home, it seemed to be idling fine (as god as it had), but when listening to the exhaust, it sounded like it was misfiring on a regular basis, and the engine was shaking pretty hard, especially when revved.

I'm thinking it could just be an issue with a sparkplug, but I won't have a chance to look at it for a while. I'm pretty sure I've got a sticking valve, but I don't know enough to know if that can be the issue...

any ideas? :awais:

 

[evilsanta2]

When I was getting my Runner going again after sitting for a while, I had to replace the fuel injectors. I took it for a drive when I thought I had replaced all the ones that needed doing....However there was still one cylinder that was misfiring/not firing. It had the same problem as yours; Having to rev high to get any decent speed going, and a noticeable lack in power. I would hazard a guess that a sticky valve would give you the problems you have.....
Good luck on the repairs!

 

[the_dingman]

I'm hoping it's an ignition problem.. I need to get a socket to remove the plugs... What's the best way to check for spark?

 

[ovrrdrive]

I'd definitely start with a cap and plugs, and maybe even wires if you can swing it.


To check for spark you hold a plug against the head and have someone else crank it, or go buy one of those spark tester things that go between the plug and wire if you don't want to get shocked.

 

[the_dingman]

The truck I had for parts had a brand new cap and wires, so I'm going to put those on, I just need to get some new plugs. I'm just hoping it's not a valve issue... It had always made a clicking noise for a while before it would warm up, and I'm pretty sure it was from a sticky valve...

How hard is it to get the valve cover off and take a look at the valves, and how hard is it to spot a problem?

 

[drmorbius]

It sounds like a fouled spark plug. To find out which one start the engine and with the engine idling, carefully pull the plug wire from one spark plug and listen to the engine, it should start to noticeably miss. Put the wire back on the plug and do the same for each plug, one at a time. The one with problems will not change with the wire off.