Power Problem

[4runnerGA]

Hey Guys...I'm all over the place with this rig. I am realizing that many of the directions I would like to go with this project are going to cost too freaking much money for me right now. Anyway, my '86 runner with a 22re & a 5 speed has NO power & get miserable gas mileage. After running many tanks through I am still getting around 12.5 mpg average. The truck also has ZERO power. It is only running on 31's so it really shouldn't be this slow. Could this be that the timing chain is off a tooth on the gears? One person I asked said that is the problem & another says that these trucks won't run at all when the timing chain is off a tooth on the gear. What do you guys think & what tests should I run to pin the problem with this motor down? Thanks in advance.

 

[Awz]

Hard to say for certain. When I first bought my '88 I was having the same issues. If it's cold in your area (below freezing at night) get a bottle of Heet. most everyone carries it, mine had water in the fuel lines that was freezing over night and restricting fuel flow. Also check you timing, Mine was WAAAY off. Another thing to check is your coolant temp sensors. It has 2. the one you need to check is under the thermostat radiator hose. There are two plugs there that looks almost identical. one is your cold start switch, which if cold is a problem, may be part of it, the other is the computer temp sensor. I believe the cold start switch is green but could be wrong.:shrug: No real easy way to check the sensor unless it's damaged, but if it's not working the computer wont mix fuel right. There's always the classic Tune-Up too. Plugs AND wires, cap and rotor, fuel filter never hurt.

Mike

 

[4runnerGA]

I'll check some of these things, Mike. I appreciate it. Supposedly, most of the tune up items have already been done on this truck. I'll check those other things & make sure the PO wasn't telling fibs when it comes to those tune up items. The truck has an unburnt fuel smell as if it is running rich. We are going to check the timing again & do the little things to see if anything will help. The OBD1 system was giving a TPS code but we changed that & it didn't do anything.

Is there a test I can do to find out if the timing chain was properly installed? Could this be a tooth off on the timing chain installation (by PO) or will these trucks not even run if that were the case? Thanks for any help.

 

[turboSR5]

How is your exhaust? Leaks at the manifold or any leaks upstream of the oxygen sensor? If so your sensor could think that you are running lean so the ECU compensates and adds more fuel. Check that timing for sure though, lack of power AND bad mileage sounds like it is out of tune to me.

 

[4runnerGA]

Good call there. I do have a pretty bad exhaust leak right @ the manifold. I need to get a manifold gasket & fix that exhaust leak for sure. I will do that & recheck the timing.