lack of power/hot catalytic converter

Asked by troubled_trav Jul 20, 2011 at 02:35 PM about the 1988 Toyota 4Runner

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My '88 manual transmission, 4 cyl. 4runner has dramatically lost power...mostly at top end of each gear but has recently wanted to run in only 1st/2nd gear (otherwise, not enough power to run).  At the same time, noticed the catalytic converter smells/feels red-hot.  I've run a compression check and all cylinders appear ok and have replaced wires/plugs.  Can someone tell me what's going on?

4 Answers

Thanks. Someone else suggested the same. So now (perhaps) a bigger question: what's causing the catalytic converter to overheat? The overheating cat is a symptom of what?

2,125

it's an 88... could be time for a new cat. it happens. You might be running rich but with the 22re this probably isn't the case. check your plugs for signs. Maybe even change your plugs...

Your Answer:

4Runner

Looking for a Used 4Runner in your area?

CarGurus has 10,615 nationwide 4Runner listings starting at $2,995.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1988 Toyota 4Runner

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Papaobewon
    Reputation
    5,810
  • #2
    Kurt Burton
    Reputation
    2,610
  • #3
    azurro
    Reputation
    1,680
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Land Cruiser
48 Great Deals out of 4,745 listings starting at $5,347
Used Ford F-150
6,461 Great Deals out of 169,177 listings starting at $1,871
Used Toyota Camry
2,124 Great Deals out of 43,930 listings starting at $1,150
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,386 Great Deals out of 60,821 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Bronco
444 Great Deals out of 42,789 listings starting at $26,605

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
131 Great Deals out of 1,397 listings starting at $34,901
2023 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
136 Great Deals out of 1,479 listings starting at $27,900
2022 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
126 Great Deals out of 1,346 listings starting at $27,000
2021 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
126 Great Deals out of 1,223 listings starting at $23,900
2020 Toyota 4Runner For Sale
64 Great Deals out of 685 listings starting at $19,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.