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When engine reaches normal operating temperature there is a loss of power

Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 300 MILES
Car idles and drives fine until engine reaches normal temperature then loss of power even with pedal down, struggling to pull and hugged. Have replaced plugs and fuel filter and coil pack. Just do not understand.
Saturday, May 12th, 2018 AT 10:41 AM

30 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. The symptoms you described can be the result of a few things. The first is a partially clogged catalytic converter.

Here are the general symptoms of a converter issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Here is how to test one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

If you determine that the converter is bad, here are directions specific to your vehicle for replacement:
Jack up vehicle.
Ensure the catalytic converter is cool.
Remove the four bolts and nuts holding the pipes to the converter.
Remove the converter and two gaskets.
Place new two gaskets on the front and rear pipes.
Install the converter with the bolts and nuts. Torque Value: 32 ft.lb (43 Nm)

I attached three pictures of the converter and its location. Note: The first one is for federal emissions and the second one is for California. I am not sure where you live.

The third picture is that of the converter in your vehicle.

Give this a check and let me know what you find.
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Sunday, May 13th, 2018 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Yes, thanks I will check it.
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Monday, May 14th, 2018 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
South Africa.
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Monday, May 14th, 2018 AT 9:32 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
My car does not have the converter or sensor switch, only 2xsilencer boxes.
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 AT 3:47 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
So, I still have the problem.
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 AT 3:47 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome back. The picture you attached is the flex pipe. The vehicle was manufactured with a catalytic converter. If you purchased the vehicle new, I am confused. However, if you purchased it used, it appears someone removed it. Ugh, that leads to new issues. For example, there should be an oxygen sensor which is most likely missing.

Did this problem start all at once? Honestly, without the sensor and converter, the computer most likely does not know what to make the fuel mixture.

Let me know.

Thanks,
Joe
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Yes, first the lack power then noticed the distributor advanced to the limit. I think it needs more advance but not enough room.
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 AT 3:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Did you have the distributor out? It may be a tooth off.
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Yes I took it out after noticing it adjusting it. My distributor does not have the teeth got like a T fitting, could it be possible that the distributor skip a tooth inside it? Is it impossible or timing chain skipped a tooth?
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Or the shaft on top?
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 AT 10:18 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
No, the shaft is a straight shot. It sounds like to me the engine coolant temperature sensor is not working right when the engine gets hot.

Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Here is the location for your car. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, May 19th, 2018 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Okay, thank you. I will buy one and get back to you.
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Saturday, May 19th, 2018 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Please let us know.
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Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Will do by tomorrow.
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Sunday, May 20th, 2018 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Okay, replaced it not sure if it makes a difference but if I take the filter pipes off it pulls slightly better. I have just change the temperature sensor.
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
The car has full power when cold or is the power just a little better? I am wondering if it is a back pressure issue. Also, I am sure you checked but is the air filter clean?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
No, not full power when cold. It is just a bit better, juddering in first and second gear mostly. It seems to have lack of power sometimes then it misses also. When standing still sometimes it revs fine to full power, then test it driving it it misfire and lack power randomly.
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Filter looks fine, I will check again without filter and drive to see if any difference.
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Monday, May 21st, 2018 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
It sounds like an ignition issue. Have you tuned up the engine recently with plugs, wires, cap rotor?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Also service the throttle bore.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018 AT 9:58 AM
Tiny
HILTON
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
I replaced fuel filter, spark plugs and electonic coil and plug lead about two years ago.
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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018 AT 12:19 PM

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