So my 4runner is SLOW...I mean, REALLY SLOW...advice!??

[jarnld]

So I bought my runner and got rid of my 4cylinder Xterra because a)I wanted 4wd and B)I wanted more power.

It is beyond slow and feels lacking in power for a V6.

Let me put it this way...

when my xterra was loaded down with about 600lbs of cargo it was still faster than my 4runner.

Better example...

If im at a red light and there is a dump truck or semi next to me, I have a problem keeping pace with them - and thats when Im gunning it.

Im really starting to piss off drivers behind me!


I know there are many things that can effect loss of power, but I dont know where to start. I have all the service records from 1992 on - It has been babied.

Any advice on where to start!???


1992
v6 manual
161,000 miles
V06 HG recall performed at 77k miles
like I said...babied. Perfect maintenance throughout the years by previous owner.


PLEASE! Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks

 

[RonMAIDEN]

It might just be that it is the 3.sl0.

I've driven a '96 Runner with the 2.7 4 cylinder 4wd with a manual and it's specs are pretty close to the 2nd gen's V6 but despite giving up a little displacement the 4 banger still felt faster than any 2nd gen 3.0 I've ever driven.

The 3rd gen's 3.4 puts out 30 more ponies and 37 more lbs of ft torque but weighs about the same but at the dragstrip you'd think it was 50+ more ponies and was way lighter.

I know this since i raced a friend up at our local strip and beat him by well over a second and he was even driving a manual vs my auto.

Not to rip the 3.0 but while it is a stout motor and will do it's job off road it is a bit on the slow side of anything I've driven and I've driven some slow vehicles in my day.

 

[ALt4r]

Even the oldest xterra's 4cylinder puts out about the same amount of power as the 1992's v6. Has the loss of power been recent? Did you test drive the 92?
Like ron said it might just be the 3.0l
The xterra weighs about the same (if not more) than a 2nd gen right?

 

[Routty]

I owned a '91 V6 auto 4x4, and that thing was very slow. I moved to Colorado from California, and with the altitude the thing was unbelievably slow. Going over some of the passes I would be red lining the thing and could only do about 35 or 40 mph. So unless this was a sudden occurence, it might just be the vehicle. With all of that said, I put 250,000+ miles on it with no problems before I sold it.

 

[97hb]

Swap in an 03' and up v6 4.0 and you will be pleased

 

[004Gunner]

I used to operate my '90 automatic like it was manual so I could squeeze everything out of it. I would think the manual would be better but what your describing sounds much worse, like all the cylinders are not firing. A diagnostic check may reveal a problem that the OBD is not detecting, so no check engine light is coming up. The 3.sl0 (nice Ron) is pretty bad but not to the extent you're describing.

 

[jarnld]

about a week ago I accidentally tore the electrical connections inside the mass air unit. I soldered them back together but even after that there is no real change in performance. AKA - breaking the maf didnt decrease the performance. I think it may just be the V6 in that model. Too bad.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Do a full tune-up. Can't hurt.

Cap & rotor, plugs, wires, o2 sensor, seafoam, TB cleaning, air filter, Mobil1 High Mileage or Amsoil oil, replace all fluds.

Then follow up with headers and custom exhaust.


After all that it should help, but don't bite off more than you can chew. Meaning only do it if you can really afford it.

 

[FoozGrind]

This might be a far stretch, but my mom had a 1999 honda crv and she had the same problem. All the sudden one day she loss a lot of power to the engine and we took it to the dealership, it turned out one or 2 spark plugs was not good.

 

[BlackLabeL]

i have a '92 v6 5speed with 31inch tires. its fairly slow, but not as slow as you're describing. I'm able to pass people on the highway without even shifting from 5th.
and acceleration is somewhat slow, but you need to wind it up to at least 3500 in the first 3 gears.

i would do a full tune up and also replace the cat converter.

 

[go2ndmile]

I would agree with getting a full tune-up with emphasis on checking the air filter, spark plugs, etc.

I drive a '95 3.slo and even though she's a bit sluggish, I don't have issues like you're describing...I still have enough power to get going, even though I might waste some gas in the process. I recently did over $1000 of maintenance including a replaced air filter and checking the spark plugs. It could also be my low mileage though...only 58k.

But definitely try a tune-up and inspection before going to an engine swap.

 

[foskco87]

I have a 92 V6 5 spd. I will admit it is a slower vehicle, but not annoyingly slow. It does not accelerate quickly, especially up hills, but it is not really noticable to other drivers. I think you might have something wrong because although the 3.0 is slow, it shouldnt be that slow. Also, what size tires do you have on? I only have 31's so if you are running a larger tire thats a different story.

 

[mitaylor137]

The tune up should help. I replaced the plugs, wires, injectors and cap and it seems to run better. I also have the 3.0l with 31's and it does just fine on the highway. Mine on the other hand wasnt babied in any means. I bought it from my girl friends little brother who was always hauling ass with it. He passed his parents at almost 100mph. They have the lexus version with a v8 and it took a while to catch up. I havnt had it over 70 yet and it scares me at those speeds. I would hate to see 100.

 

[rustyrazor]

How slow should the 3L really be?

Your 4runner sounds like it has a problem.

I recently had a problem with my car where one day it suddenly had about half the power. I went over it thoroughly and couldn't find the problem so I had my mechanic listen to it and he said that the catalytic converter was plugged. I pulled the exhaust off the car and "unplugged" the cat myself. It has more power now than it ever had. This may not be the best idea if there's regular emmissions testing in your area.

Two other things to do that are cheap is to put a new air filter in it and change the fuel filter. I once had a similar problem that was caused by a plugged fuel filter.

Also, I've only had my 3L for a couple of weeks and I'm finding that it's slow but not that slow. It seems to have torque but it's a slow revver.

 

[NY2LV]

Slow too!

My stock '90 v6 3.sl0 (like that) 4Runner is also slow. Feels like no torque when accelerating and takes a while to get up to speed. When cruising on the highway, it can run, but once I hit the hills, it's sluggish. I put in the K&N FIPK and it feels better - a little more responsive. I should have done a before and after on the dyno just to see what it would do.

I had trouble backing it up a ramp until I shifted into L4. I think a new tranny is due soon. I've already converted the AC to the newer refrigerant, replaced water pump, radiator, alternator, etc. so it's running pretty well. Any suggestions on how to best clean the engine?

I'm doing a 1100 mile roundtrip this weekend, so we'll see how it handles the new air.

NY2LV

'90 V6 3.0l 4WD 4Runner
183,000 miles

 

[K_Labs]

LOL yea... I did the long tube headers high flow cat and flowmaster muffler. 02 sensor Air filter wires plugs cap rotor ignitor/coil the works and it's still slow. But I might just be setting the bar too high for a tired truck. Start with the troubleshooting section of your repair manual bro. It's a good cheap way to see some improvement.

Do a full tune-up. Can't hurt.

Cap & rotor, plugs, wires, o2 sensor, seafoam, TB cleaning, air filter, Mobil1 High Mileage or Amsoil oil, replace all fluds.

Then follow up with headers and custom exhaust.


After all that it should help, but don't bite off more than you can chew. Meaning only do it if you can really afford it.

 

[NY2LV]

Added miles

After my run to northern California, the K&N increased my tank mileage by 50 miles! Normal highway driving, I usually fill up at 225 miles. I made it to 276 before my warning light came on and I filled up at 292 (14.7 gal) - 19.87mpg. That distance included the summit climb between Barstow, CA and Primm, NV. Not bad for just an air filter change. I did have the oil changed and the tire pressure checked/maintained, but that was it. I'll have to get her tuned next.

The new filter makes quite a bit of difference on the long run. As far as torque, there is a little improvement, but she is still sluggish on the hills. Cruising at 75mph did not feel strained like it used to.

 

[K_Labs]

Few questions did u get the K&N kit or just the filter? This one is for everybody. When that gas light turns on.... How long can you go for? I think I get 30-45 miles depending on how I'm driving. Mine comes on really dull and gets brighter as the gas gets lower and when it looks like it's full on beaming at me I get scared and fill up.

Also if anyone has a K&N kit or Downey offroad Kit for the air cleaner I would like to know what you think. Pictures too please I've been meaning to buy one but the stupid MAF sensor makes me just want to buy the K&N replacement filter.

 

[NY2LV]

I put in the kit. I had to remove the filter housing and attach the MAF sensor to the kit. The kit came with a plastic elbow to replace one of the stock intake tubes, but I didn't need that. The directions were a little confusing at first and not all of the included mounting hardware is needed. It came with a diagram, but no pictures. I'll take a picture of my install soon. (I'd like to get the engine cleaned first.)

Any suggestions on how to best clean an engine?

 

[K_Labs]

Yeah pay some1 to do it that way if they screw up any hoses with the steam or preassure washer they have to replace them. I think it used to cost around $35 at this car wash I used to go to.