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

1993 TOYOTA COROLLA
300 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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HILTON@8
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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.
May 12, 2018 at 10:41 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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.
May 13, 2018 at 7:18 PM
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HILTON@8
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Yes, thanks I will check it.
May 14, 2018 at 9:18 AM
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HILTON@8
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South Africa.
May 14, 2018 at 9:32 AM
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HILTON@8
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My car does not have the converter or sensor switch, only 2xsilencer boxes.
May 15, 2018 at 3:47 AM
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HILTON@8
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So, I still have the problem.
May 15, 2018 at 3:47 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
May 15, 2018 at 6:55 PM
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HILTON@8
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Yes, first the lack power then noticed the distributor advanced to the limit. I think it needs more advance but not enough room.
May 16, 2018 at 3:29 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Did you have the distributor out? It may be a tooth off.
May 16, 2018 at 4:49 PM
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HILTON@8
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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?
May 16, 2018 at 10:15 PM
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HILTON@8
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Or the shaft on top?
May 16, 2018 at 10:18 PM
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STRAILER
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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
May 19, 2018 at 9:26 AM
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HILTON@8
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Okay, thank you. I will buy one and get back to you.
May 19, 2018 at 12:36 PM
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STRAILER
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Please let us know.
May 20, 2018 at 11:36 AM
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HILTON@8
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Will do by tomorrow.
May 20, 2018 at 12:33 PM
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HILTON@8
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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.
May 21, 2018 at 6:41 AM
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STRAILER
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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
May 21, 2018 at 9:31 AM
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HILTON@8
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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.
May 21, 2018 at 11:48 AM
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HILTON@8
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Filter looks fine, I will check again without filter and drive to see if any difference.
May 21, 2018 at 1:01 PM
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STRAILER
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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
May 22, 2018 at 9:58 AM
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HILTON@8
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I replaced fuel filter, spark plugs and electonic coil and plug lead about two years ago.
May 22, 2018 at 12:19 PM
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STRAILER
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How many miles? I would start with a fresh set of spark plugs and wires.
May 23, 2018 at 10:27 AM
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HILTON@8
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Did replace plugs.
May 25, 2018 at 11:02 AM
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HILTON@8
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Plugs a month ago.
May 25, 2018 at 11:03 AM
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HILTON@8
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Replaced fuel filter, coil, distributor cap, replaced one exhaust silencer box and plugs a month ago. Still lack of power.
May 25, 2018 at 11:08 AM
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HILTON@8
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Misses also a bit in between gurgling.
May 25, 2018 at 11:09 AM
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HILTON@8
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And coolant temperature sensor.
May 25, 2018 at 11:09 AM
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HILTON@8
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I have manually diagnostic code. Gave me a code 24.
May 25, 2018 at 12:36 PM
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STRAILER
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I do not see code 24? https://www.2carpros.com/articles/toyota-trouble-code-definitions-and-code-gathering-method-1990-1995

Can you recheck it?
May 26, 2018 at 10:27 AM
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HILTON@8
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Intake air temperature signal, I do not know what you mean if you do not see it.
May 26, 2018 at 11:31 AM
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STRAILER
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My bad, that code will cause the car from performing normally. I would replace it.
May 27, 2018 at 11:37 AM