2000 4Runner power problems going uphill

Hey everyone,

Recently purchased a 2000 Toyota 4Runner with 270,000 miles on it. My neighbor thinks an engine swap has been done at some point, but I haven’t looked into it much just yet. Vehicle is 2x4 and a 4 cylinder, but always wanted to own a 4Runner, so I went for it. Body looks like it’s been keep in great condition, only one small spot of rust. The engine is powerful as it should be on straight aways, but sometimes on inclines I have problems getting power. I am pushing the pedal almost all the way to the ground, and getting no power. Yet, other hills I am going up at times it doesn’t seem to have a problem. I took it to a mechanic week ago, and they did a quick drive and it seemed to drive fine they said? Again today, limited to no power going up this hill.
I am going to hook it up to a computer this week or next, but just found this forum and thought I’d put my story out there in case anyone could help. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, as I feel like I might’ve made this purchase a bit too quickly without much knowledge.


Thank you

 

Might be a few things. Pull plugs when you get a chance and look for fouling. Plugs tell a great many tales. Replace them only with OEM plugs.

Fuel pump may be getting weak. That can cause a power issue.

Manual or Automatic?

 

Thanks for the response.

Automatic. I am at work now, but will definitely check the plugs when I get a chance. Any indicators of it being the fuel pump besides loss of power?

 

Bad fuel pump sometimes has hard cold starting.

 

Seems to have pretty strong start up, at least for the moment. If the plugs don’t look foul, should I consider them good. Any chance of them being outdated, or will I know when I see them.

 

Look at online images of new ones and compare. If the gap isn't the same, time for new ones. Or if the electrode is cone shaped.

https://www.techtips.ie/BERU/spark-plug-troubleshooting-pictorial-guide.pdf

 

Thanks for the insight. Appreciate the chart. I know without looking at it, that the engine had new coil packs but maybe some old plugs underneath? I’ll have to loosen them up tomorrow and look. What do you think about the engine just being such a small engine for a heavy vehicle, and that’s just how it drives…and I am just not use to that. I asked my neighbor before I left and that’s what he said, without looking at it much

 

I mean, do I really need momentum going uphill? I am just use to driving cars with stronger engines, or small turbos…so maybe it is just something I am not use to at all.

side note: If I am looking into figuring out if it had an engine swap, and trying to figure out how many miles this engine had if their was a swap? Do you have any insight on that?

 

I used to drive an '84 Ford Ranger with the 4cyl and manual transmission back in the day.

You had to get a running start on some hills or you just had to downshift and go at 45 instead of 55.

Probably the engine is running as designed.

 

i'm new to 4runner too. this forum has great information, and i find that just reading all of these conversations help me get acquainted with the engine and transmission. this v6 engine i bought is unlike any other engine i've owned or worked on. i think if you have a toyota background you are two rungs up already. but, they do have some very interesting idiosyncrasies, if i may be so bold. these are worthwhile vehicles to keep on the road, but i think only if you are mechanically inclined and a tinkerer. Regards, and good night