under powered

[madtercel]

Hey. i have a 1986 tercel 4wd and i think it is really under powered. i have to floor it just to get going from a stop and then keep it floored threw all the gears till i hit speed. going up hills is excruiating 60kph in 3rd gear screaming up the hill. i was talking to a guy who had an 86 as well and he has no such probems. He said somthing about a vacumn actuator and that this was the problem, does anyone know about this part or any other parts that could be causing this lack of power? thanks so much if you want you can e-mail me at nickpot636@hotmail.com thanks for your time Nick.

[Mattel]

Auto or manual?

[Typrus]

If its auto it'll suck no matter what.

Put a Weber on it
Compression checks?

What shape is it in?

[takza]

Sounds like he means the secondaries aren't actuating? You could try adjusting your ignit timing...think there is something under Alternative timing methods....Repair section...

[Petros]

We need more information to help you. These cars are already underpowered, but if anything is is wrong with the engine or other parts of the car, it will drive the way you describ.

It could be a vacuum leak, it could be the carb is not opening all the way, it could just need a fuel filter. It could be a damage/restricted exhaust system, it could have damaged exhaust valves, it could even be a brake caliper hanging up.

Tell us the age and condition of the car, and how it starts and runs. Then do a compression test, check the ignition timing, check the condition of the spark plugs and wires, check or replace the air filter, jack each wheel up and make sure the wheels turn without too much effort. Inspect the exhaust system for damage.

Then report back here what you find, and we give you a few more things to check/test.