Need help please!

[sukoshiyoshi]

Not sure if this is supposed to be here in this forum but here goes.......this morning when I went to warm up the Previa as always (Remote start) I noticed that it almost died out a couple of times (never happen before). I figured once warm it should be okay but I was not so lucky. This happens in both "N" and in gear. The engine does not run smooth and almost died out while waiting at the signal. When I press the gas it almost seems to hesitate. My friend here in Hawaii is a tech at Toyota and he told me that the older Previas have a problem of oil getting into the cap and rotor. So I checked the cap and rotor but no oil to be found. I also checked the plugs(Those with Previa's know how much this sucks) checked spark plug wires to make sure they are not lose. Those items do not look like they are the culprits.

Any other suggestions that you all may have? Should I just change out the plugs? Hope that this is not going to be an expensive fix. Thanks ahead of time.

Sukoshiyoshi

[elpresidente]

Fuel filter? Or maybe the damned ethanol screwing up your injectors? LOL! Also try cleaning the MAF sensor...and intake filter.

[guymx83]

i worked ona previa that had a blown headgasket.....(coolant in oil) kinda blew balls, check your oil if its milky you got a serious problem.. yeah if your on ethanol i think that could of hurt something and starving the engine.

[mdenoga]

Yoshi. Whens the last time you did a tune up? By the way, I didn't think spark plugs were that hard. Just remove the passenger seat to access them. Is that how you do it or do you try taking out the plugs from under?

[tech126]

Is the check engine light on?? You either may have a problem with fuel or ignition..Or it could be the IAC valve going faulty and not adjusting the idle.

[sukoshiyoshi]

Thanks for the reply guys......the dirty culprit was ETHNOL! Before spending the big bucks to figure out the problem I decided to go the cheap route....which came in the way of LUCAS Injector Cleaner. After putting that into the tank......good to go. The local mechanic said it is a problem that many customers come into their shop inquiring. He said that this is such a problem that he now carries a good stock of the LUCAS injector cleaners........one of their top sellers. LOL He also added that he was worried that "other shops" telling their customers that they need to change their injectors which coupled with labor is a pretty shiny penny. Ever since the introduction of ETHNOL......nothing but negative things to say about it.

mdenoga,

Yeah its not that it is hard........just a pain! Having to take off the passenger seat to just change plugs? That is just rediculous....and don't even get me started on the front suspension. Toyotas' design team really screwed up on the design. Probally the most mechanic unfriendly car I have ever worked on.

Sukoshiyoshi

[mdenoga]

mdenoga,

Yeah its not that it is hard........just a pain! Having to take off the passenger seat to just change plugs? That is just rediculous....and don't even get me started on the front suspension. Toyotas' design team really screwed up on the design. Probally the most mechanic unfriendly car I have ever worked on.

Sukoshiyoshi

Well the 91-93 is not a problem for the front struts because they have a small accessible compartment but yes the 94-97 suck ass. I have a 1994 and my parents own a 91.

[sukoshiyoshi]

^^^^Really? Did not know that! You lucky guys! I am so envious of you! I am not looking forward in doing it all over again! Not fun!

Sukoshiyoshi

[ChrisK]

E10 sucks ass. One of the biggest wastes of time we have in Hawaii. So far nothing good has come from it. Lower gas mileage, higher gas prices, clogged injectors. What's next?

[sukoshiyoshi]

True that! I have yet to see anything positive come out of the introduction of Ethnol.

Sukoshiyoshi