Running like garbage :(

[91Runner]

Okay... So on tuesday, i went to McLean with a lady friend because she wanted to see what it was like to go 4wheeling. We came across this long hole, but it didn't look too bad, and we even checked it out that it wasn't too deep for the truck..

Needless to say, we got stuck.

With 4 inches of standing water inside the truck and the entire winch underneath water, the engine stalled. I climbed out, attached the winch to a nearby tree and started to pull out (praying the battery wasn't going to die). As we came clear of the mud, i stopped. Pulled all the plugs and dried everything off i possibly could. I turned the engine over and it starts :) I <3 TOYOTA

We promptly turned around and left a different way (On the way out i slid into a tree and made a couple nice new dents in the passenger side front door/rear fender)

On the drive home, the truck starts running like garbage. Really idling badly, when i press the gas anything less than to the floor around 2k rpm, it just lugs like you wouldn't believe. Then once it clears that rpm, the engine just jumps like you dropped the clutch at that rpm. Its crazy

So i guess the question here is, what is going on? Why is my idle screwed and my truck running so terrible? :(

[RedApe]

If I hadn't read your story about water...I'd be headed straight for the TPS (throttle position sensor), as you're describing classic symptoms.

[tacotaco]

Maybe water in the airflow meter!

[91Runner]

Maybe water in the airflow meter!

My thought too. I'm heading to picknpull tomorrow after my physics diploma to see if i can find one.

RedApe: What do you mean / where is that / how do i fix it?

[Tarzan]

You have a wet air filter my friend. I have an air meter for a 3.0 v6 but from personal drownings my money is on a water logged air filter. Make sure to take all the air intake ducts as they can pool pockets of water. Next time call one of us to go with you so we can get video!

[91Runner]

In retrospect, i should have taken pictures and video. But in the moment, i was getting cold and wet and i just wanted to go home. I guess snorkel is now on my to do list.

But a wet air filter? And it still runs like crap 2 days later? I'll look into it

[90 Runner]

i would agree with RedApe. My truck was doing the same thing for a while and it was a ground wire on my TPS

[canadian bum]

4 cylinder or 6? I just fixed a truck that did the exact same thing. Idled like crap had no power until high rpms. The guides for the timing chain had busted letting the chain get super loose and throwing off the cam timing. This was on a 4 cylinder though.

[91Runner]

i would agree with RedApe. My truck was doing the same thing for a while and it was a ground wire on my TPS

Possible that it shorted out during my ... ahem. Water crossing?


4 cylinder or 6? I just fixed a truck that did the exact same thing. Idled like crap had no power until high rpms. The guides for the timing chain had busted letting the chain get super loose and throwing off the cam timing. This was on a 4 cylinder though.

Its a 6. But i didn't hit anything near the engine, an far as i can tell there's no visible damage inside the engine bay. Also, it doesn't always idle like crap, only when the engine is completely warmed up AND its been sitting idling for 30 seconds or more. Then it starts to fluctuate

[RedApe]

Possible that it shorted out during my ... ahem. Water crossing?



Its a 6. But i didn't hit anything near the engine, an far as i can tell there's no visible damage inside the engine bay. Also, it doesn't always idle like crap, only when the engine is completely warmed up AND its been sitting idling for 30 seconds or more. Then it starts to fluctuate

Fluctuate...sure sounds like the TPS.

http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=11779+4294963371+1725+11921+4294962179
Check service manual for location:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x112/mholdner/3VZE%20Engine%20Tear%20Down/IMG_0475.jpg
That should be it, bolted to the side of the TB. :)

[annoyingrob]

Take a look to make sure there's no water in the TPS connector. If the AFM has ever been opened up, crack the top cover plate off of the electronics, and make sure there's no water in it either.

[91Runner]

The afm has been opened, as i changed to fuel mixture to be a little leaner because the truck was running rich. I'll look into that, also i will check the TPS

[91Runner]

I've got loads of stuff to fix because of this trip. The carpet and seats come out tomorrow... The seats will be steam cleaned the best i can. The carpet however is already starting to stink :( so it will be replaced with THICK spray in bed liner and drain holes.

[91Runner]

Okayy... So after having a nice day with my REDNECK family, I've got a couple things to try. :) Should be good as gold before long

[91Runner]

Dropped and flipped the tank, filled with fresh fuel. Drives fine now.. I believe it was H20 in the fuel tank. I'm glad its running good again

[Winch]

Dropped and flipped the tank, filled with fresh fuel. Drives fine now.. I believe it was H20 in the fuel tank. I'm glad its running good again

Mmmmm, or like Harry said - maybe your airfilter has dried out by now. :)

[91Runner]

Mmmmm, or like Harry said - maybe your airfilter has dried out by now. :)

Completely possible.