Whats wrong if when I rev my engine?

GTHORPE

MEMBER
1989 NISSAN TRUCK
990,606 MILES

It wont go past the 3rd rpm and it just surges in between the 2 1/2 and 3 when I floor it? I drove it around the block and noticed it was acting funny. Its never done this before but today I found out my light was on on one side of my headlights.

Anyway I charge it and start it and when I was goin down the road I try to push it past the 3rd rpm to shift the gear and it sputters and losses power but it still will drive and idle just fine its just when I give it gas it wont go past the 3rd rpm unless I floor it suddenly and even then it goes right back in between the 2 1/2 and 3 rpm

1 Reply

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

There could be a couple of issues;
The first thing to try would be to check the fuel pressure. You can get a gauge and test kit on a loaner basis from Auto Zone and Advance Auto. The kit will come with adapters for the test port on the fuel rail of your truck.
You could also have an intake or exhaust path restriction. If you have never replaced the catylitic converter, they often can collapse in on themselves and will clog the exhaust. You can try whacking the coverter with a rubber mallet or your hand to listen for a bunch of loose stuff rattling around.
There could also be a problem with a vacuum leak or an O2 sensor could be bad.
If nothing comes of the fuel pressure check and the other checks let me know and we can go from there.