Cascade Crew

RSFreak · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:44 pm Post subject: No power under load

My 2.8 has almost no power at all under load. I couldn't get above 3000 rpms on the freeway in 4th gear on level ground. Up hills was worse. Acts like my '91 did when the cat was clogged but this car has no cat. I have recently replaced the fuel filter, both coolant sensors, spark plugs and wires. I tried driving it with the MAF unplugged (limp home mode) and still no power. I'm stumped. Sad

fiveoformula · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 10:58 pm Post subject:

Any SES light?
Check sensors. if you can barrow an OBDII scanner, see if your TPS is doing anything...

RSFreak · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject:

Checked TPS using volt meter. Volts and Ohms were correct. Checked IAC. Replaced O2 sensor and both coolant sensors. Cleaned TB. Replaced fuel filter a few months ago. Has 42-45psi fuel pressure (didn't test under load). I've heard that you can have 40+psi even if the fuel filter is clogged(?) I might pull the gutted cat just to double check. Could the muffler be clogged? Confused

Edit: There was no check engine light on the way to Tacoma or during testing (and no stored codes). But it did come on on the way back to Renton. Gotta go check that!

Dewey316 · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:16 pm Post subject:

I know it sounds stupid...but did you double check your plug wire connections, and make sure you got them in the right order?

Ask me how I know to double check this....

RSFreak · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:18 pm Post subject:

Funny you mention that. As I was looking throught the service manual I came across a diagram of the firing order and thought "Oh crap! Thats gotta be it!" I should have given myself more credit. Rolling Eyes

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:20 pm Post subject:

Now isn't the firing order on a 60*v6 1-2-3-4-5-6? Razz

Al Hasse · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:32 pm Post subject:

1-2-3-4-5-6, and #1 being the front one on the passenger side.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:48 pm Post subject:

Just like a Ford. Very Happy

Dewey316 · Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:51 pm Post subject:

RSFreak · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

Done that before also. Not in this case. I did get a code 32. Forgot I always get a code 32 cause I ditched the EGR. No help. Sad

fiveoformula · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:12 am Post subject:

Hmm...
Does it sound wierd? while it's running?

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:24 am Post subject:

EST unhooked?

Have you pulled a couple of plugs to get a read off of them yet?

RSFreak · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 12:49 am Post subject:

Ran it with the EST unhooked, still ran like crap. Pulled all the plugs, all looked good (I just changed them a few months ago). The exhaust kinda rattles more than normal but then it is running kinda rough too.

aaron_sK · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:05 am Post subject:

Bad gas? (It has been sitting for awhile, right?)

Compression test?

fiveoformula · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 2:03 am Post subject:

When you said you ditched the EGR, did you just unplug it? or is the valve gone completely?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:26 am Post subject:

Get the fuel pressure gauge out. There's a chance the pump may not be keeping up, or pressure is bleeding somewhere.

turbo_jimi · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:37 am Post subject:

We had the Fuel Pressure Guage on it...plenty of fuel pressure to the rail. Also dumped a can of seafoam in the gas tank to clean it up a little. Also change out both temp sensors and the O2 Sensor. Overall, after doing all that stuff, the car will start easier and and seem alot better without a load just sitting there compared to before when you barely touched the throttle, it would die. I'm starting to think it's a compression issue...we did not check that. My '75 Mustang (first car) acted similar to that. Just a thought.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:51 am Post subject:

Did you have the fuel pressure gauge taped to the windshield and went for a drive to make it act up while watching?

RSFreak · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

No, didn't check the pressure under load. The tank was about 1/8th full before I filled it up yesterday. Then we added a full can of seafoam. I'm gonna put the 3.8 injectors back in it. I don't think those junkyard injectors are keeping up.

chevymad · Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:02 am Post subject:

Check fuel pressure under load like Paul suggests. I've caught I don't know how many bad fuel pumps at work this way. Checking fuel pressure while sitting really does nothing but tell you if the pump doesnt work at all.