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Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here (Just Joined).

I am a proud owner of a 1986 Toyota Travelmaster 21ft, with 41,000 on it.

I have a million questions, but I will save the others for later :rolleyes:

Anyway to the point:

My Toyota R22 (injection not carb) motor does not seem to have any horsepower.

It can barely attain a speed of 55 at full throttle.

And up any inclines is a real problem.

Will cruise at 45 on a flat plain ok..

Motor starts up fine, runs without a hitch, but has no get up and go.

ALso if I step on the gas pedal hard it will just very slowly start to pull.

So something is obviously wrong, timing, injectors, plugs???

I wanted to ask all of you before I go a spend tons of money on a mechanic to look around.

I am also pretty handy as a mechanic and have knowledge of motors.

Some background:

1986 Travelmaster (Savanna) 21 foot..

41,000 miles, clean inside and outside.

Motor does not use oil or smoke, does not misfire, and pretty smooth running.

Not tested MPG's, but it seems excessive on fuel use.

Automatic Trans, shifts perfectly

New muffler and tail pipe.

Gas tank was leaking so a mechanic removed it and repaired leaks for me, did not notice any gunk in it.

A/C does not work (Not really a problem)

Has never had a tune up to my knowledge.

I can drive it fine around town at 45-50 mph, but we want to do some travelling..

ANy suggestions or where to start..

I really would apperciate any suggestions form anyone..

Thanks in advance,

Phil

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Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here (Just Joined).

I am a proud owner of a 1986 Toyota Travelmaster 21ft, with 41,000 on it.

I have a million questions, but I will save the others for later :rolleyes:

Anyway to the point:

My Toyota R22 (injection not carb) motor does not seem to have any horsepower.

It can barely attain a speed of 55 at full throttle.

And up any inclines is a real problem.

Will cruise at 45 on a flat plain ok..

Motor starts up fine, runs without a hitch, but has no get up and go.

ALso if I step on the gas pedal hard it will just very slowly start to pull.

So something is obviously wrong, timing, injectors, plugs???

I wanted to ask all of you before I go a spend tons of money on a mechanic to look around.

I am also pretty handy as a mechanic and have knowledge of motors.

Some background:

1986 Travelmaster (Savanna) 21 foot..

41,000 miles, clean inside and outside.

Motor does not use oil or smoke, does not misfire, and pretty smooth running.

Not tested MPG's, but it seems excessive on fuel use.

Automatic Trans, shifts perfectly

New muffler and tail pipe.

Gas tank was leaking so a mechanic removed it and repaired leaks for me, did not notice any gunk in it.

A/C does not work (Not really a problem)

Has never had a tune up to my knowledge.

I can drive it fine around town at 45-50 mph, but we want to do some travelling..

ANy suggestions or where to start..

I really would apperciate any suggestions form anyone..

Thanks in advance,

Phil

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Ok- here goes- more knowlegeable people jump on anything you see here ! No power- this is a regular topic on any Toyota camper web site that I've run across. A few camper/motorhome manufactures built heavy motorhome bodies on a Toyota pickup chassis. Way to heavy motorhome bodies for the running gear. Trouble is, the size of the motorhome is so seductive that we fall in love when we see it, and never consider practicality of the combination.

Your complaint is " power". Maybe I should capitalize that word--"POWER". Slow going uphill power ! Lets address this conception.. You gotta 4 cylinder powerplant--2.5 liter. 116 hp if running well. This pulls a vehicle weighing 5-6 thousand pounds ! Most people are more used to a vehicle ratio of 10 pounds/ hp ! To give you some idea, a motorhome weighing 5500 pounds requires 550 hp to match the performance of the typical sporty butt hauler. This equals 5 times the power to weight ratio of what you have available .

So- lets get realistic ! From what you describe, your vehicle seems rather anemic. Check out the exhaust to make sure it's open and will let out the hp required- i.e. no plugged muffler or catalitic converter. If it can't get out, it can't get in.

Next- check out the air filter to make sure it isn't clogged- if it can't get in, it won't need to get out !

Check the spark plugs . Make sure -- aw oooo. I give deep breath- hmmm- have a mechanic ya trust check out the vehicle. These Toys' aren't the most chest-beating vehicles around. I have heard them described as being able to watch bicycles pass you uphill. Harhar. Ok- back to reality from a side road.!

You can wheel this vehicle around in town with very little trouble. I have measured it lenghtwise as two feet longer than my fullsize pickup. It looks cool. For two people it is the right size. At a campsite, it will fit most campsites no problem. Ya don't need to have a " TOAD". so, the problem isn't camping, it's travelling- right?

Right ! so- lets look at travelling. Enjoy it ! These vehicles give you plenty of time to do that. Enjoy the moment !

Ok- now we come to the fear factor. You, or your travelling partner, gets the screaming willies of being too slow ! These are the choices available. Wank the present configuration to maximum thru tune-up and knowlegeable expertise . We've done that. Grasp more horses from the engine- expensive. Or- once these options have been used- bow your head, pull to the slow lane, and grin at the single finger salutes proffered by the uncouth motoring public. Be assured- when youn get to that campsite ( hopefully a TOY-IN ), other mobile road blocks will be there to commisserate and laugh-smile-sing songs and make the road just another place to get from here to there.

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Thanks for your input, much apperciated.

I purchased this vehicle knowing its limitations, in fact I should have mentioned that I drove another rig same size and motor, and it had tons more horsepower.

Something is for sure wrong with it.

Other owners at RV parks have told me it should easily cruise at 65 on a level road. Mine will not even get close to that, in fact full throttle will get me 55 tops on a level road, and it really sucking gas doing it.

And it is very sluggish..

Maybe a good tune up is all thats needed (Hopefully)..

But I did take it in once before to a mechanic, and he thought it was the Gas tank and gas line, and clogged fuel filter. Gas tank was leaking and dangerous, but that was not the fix.

And I am very happy driving this beauty off the Interstate on country roads thats where the beauty is, and it feels comfortable cruising at 45 MPH but I am convinced in its present state it would not do any hill climbing at all..

I live if Florida so its all flat land and not a problem at the moment, but I want to head to GA and NC this summer, and I know it would not make it as-is..

I had a new muffler and pipe installed, but likely the same Catalitic converter is still on it, don't know if that would be the problem.. Guess I need to find a good mechanic that won't take me to the "Cleaners" guessing what it might be.. Wondering if I should seek a Truck mechanic ? or a Toyota truck specialist.

Whats your thoughts on that?

Again any other ideas from other much apperciated..

Phil

Ok- here goes- more knowlegeable people jump on anything you see here ! No power- this is a regular topic on any Toyota camper web site that I've run across. A few camper/motorhome manufactures built heavy motorhome bodies on a Toyota pickup chassis. Way to heavy motorhome bodies for the running gear. Trouble is, the size of the motorhome is so seductive that we fall in love when we see it, and never consider practicality of the combination.

Your complaint is " power". Maybe I should capitalize that word--"POWER". Slow going uphill power ! Lets address this conception.. You gotta 4 cylinder powerplant--2.5 liter. 116 hp if running well. This pulls a vehicle weighing 5-6 thousand pounds ! Most people are more used to a vehicle ratio of 10 pounds/ hp ! To give you some idea, a motorhome weighing 5500 pounds requires 550 hp to match the performance of the typical sporty butt hauler. This equals 5 times the power to weight ratio of what you have available .

So- lets get realistic ! From what you describe, your vehicle seems rather anemic. Check out the exhaust to make sure it's open and will let out the hp required- i.e. no plugged muffler or catalitic converter. If it can't get out, it can't get in.

Next- check out the air filter to make sure it isn't clogged- if it can't get in, it won't need to get out !

Check the spark plugs . Make sure -- aw oooo. I give deep breath- hmmm- have a mechanic ya trust check out the vehicle. These Toys' aren't the most chest-beating vehicles around. I have heard them described as being able to watch bicycles pass you uphill. Harhar. Ok- back to reality from a side road.!

You can wheel this vehicle around in town with very little trouble. I have measured it lenghtwise as two feet longer than my fullsize pickup. It looks cool. For two people it is the right size. At a campsite, it will fit most campsites no problem. Ya don't need to have a " TOAD". so, the problem isn't camping, it's travelling- right?

Right ! so- lets look at travelling. Enjoy it ! These vehicles give you plenty of time to do that. Enjoy the moment !

Ok- now we come to the fear factor. You, or your travelling partner, gets the screaming willies of being too slow ! These are the choices available. Wank the present configuration to maximum thru tune-up and knowlegeable expertise . We've done that. Grasp more horses from the engine- expensive. Or- once these options have been used- bow your head, pull to the slow lane, and grin at the single finger salutes proffered by the uncouth motoring public. Be assured- when youn get to that campsite ( hopefully a TOY-IN ), other mobile road blocks will be there to commisserate and laugh-smile-sing songs and make the road just another place to get from here to there.

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Thanks for your input, much apperciated.

I purchased this vehicle knowing its limitations, in fact I should have mentioned that I drove another rig same size and motor, and it had tons more horsepower.

Something is for sure wrong with it.

Other owners at RV parks have told me it should easily cruise at 65 on a level road. Mine will not even get close to that, in fact full throttle will get me 55 tops on a level road, and it really sucking gas doing it.

And it is very sluggish..

Maybe a good tune up is all thats needed (Hopefully)..

But I did take it in once before to a mechanic, and he thought it was the Gas tank and gas line, and clogged fuel filter. Gas tank was leaking and dangerous, but that was not the fix.

And I am very happy driving this beauty off the Interstate on country roads thats where the beauty is, and it feels comfortable cruising at 45 MPH but I am convinced in its present state it would not do any hill climbing at all..

I live if Florida so its all flat land and not a problem at the moment, but I want to head to GA and NC this summer, and I know it would not make it as-is..

I had a new muffler and pipe installed, but likely the same Catalitic converter is still on it, don't know if that would be the problem.. Guess I need to find a good mechanic that won't take me to the "Cleaners" guessing what it might be.. Wondering if I should seek a Truck mechanic ? or a Toyota truck specialist.

Whats your thoughts on that?

Again any other ideas from other much apperciated..

Phil

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Okay Musicman- does your toy have an automatic transmission ? Could be the trans isn't shifting through all the gears. Could be if it's a three speed it may be staying in second. The lack of power while it is sucking gas still triggers a plugged exhaust reponse from me. Tell ya what, just to eliminate the cat , disconnect the exhaust pipe in front of the cat and test drive it. See if there's any difference. If you have more power,then the cat is plugged.

Have it tuned up by all means. Won't hurt, and it should be done sometime. Another thought, could be water in the gas, or bad gas. If it wasn't driven for a long while the gas could lose octane. The airflow sensor could be bad also. Now I'm getting into the tech stuff, I have run into automotive computers going nutso in my previous life as a GM mechanic.

I would check with a Toyota dealer if one is available in your area. The dealerships can be pricey, but in time saved it my be worth the money.

Good luck to you on your quest,Sir. Let me know what you find.

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  • 1 month later...

Thanks for your input, much apperciated.

I purchased this vehicle knowing its limitations, in fact I should have mentioned that I drove another rig same size and motor, and it had tons more horsepower.

Something is for sure wrong with it.

Other owners at RV parks have told me it should easily cruise at 65 on a level road. Mine will not even get close to that, in fact full throttle will get me 55 tops on a level road, and it really sucking gas doing it.

And it is very sluggish..

Maybe a good tune up is all thats needed (Hopefully)..

But I did take it in once before to a mechanic, and he thought it was the Gas tank and gas line, and clogged fuel filter. Gas tank was leaking and dangerous, but that was not the fix.

And I am very happy driving this beauty off the Interstate on country roads thats where the beauty is, and it feels comfortable cruising at 45 MPH but I am convinced in its present state it would not do any hill climbing at all..

I live if Florida so its all flat land and not a problem at the moment, but I want to head to GA and NC this summer, and I know it would not make it as-is..

I had a new muffler and pipe installed, but likely the same Catalitic converter is still on it, don't know if that would be the problem.. Guess I need to find a good mechanic that won't take me to the "Cleaners" guessing what it might be.. Wondering if I should seek a Truck mechanic ? or a Toyota truck specialist.

Whats your thoughts on that?

Again any other ideas from other much apperciated..

Phil

Hi,

Do you really want more horses or torque?

Either way, there are ways to increase both. If you Google ?22RE tech? , you'll come up with some good info. There are sites like http://lcengineering.com/ and http://toysport.com/ that provide both tips on performance upgrades, parts, and complete engines. Your rationality, budget and emissions requirements will dictate.

Here are some basic specs on your engine (taken from http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/parts/):

Year 1986

Model 22RE

Max Horsepower (@ RPM) 105@4800

Max Torque (@ RPM) 137@2800

Cylinders 4

Displacement (ccm) 2366

Fuel Delivery Electronic Fuel Injection

Compression 9.3:1

Bore (mm) 92

Stroke (mm) 89

Most likely you have a 4 speed automatic Model A340H transmission

AS FOR YOUR QUESTION:

Any number of things could be affecting the performance of your engine from a bad plug to a piston, a bad transmission to a bad torque converter. The best way to determine what is is to start small and work big or to take it to your mechanic and pay to have them run a complete check of the drivetrain.

1.tune up (you might find a loose spark plug that is releasing compression)

2.compression and leak down test (maybe bad rings, valve seals, or head gasket).

3.Test the O2 sensors (may be bad)

4.check transmission (change filter and fluid)

I generally start by purchasing a Haynes or Chilton repair manual and/or a shop manual.

I recently added ?How to Keep Your Toyota Pickup Alive: Step by Step Procedures for the Complete Idiot? for 1975-1987 / 2WD & 4WD (John Muir idiot book auto series). The book is out of print and sells anywhere from $30 to (get this) $200.00+.

All generally have decent troubleshooting guides, but are no replacement for experience and knowledge.

Good Luck,

Dirk

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here (Just Joined).

I am a proud owner of a 1986 Toyota Travelmaster 21ft, with 41,000 on it.

I have a million questions, but I will save the others for later :rolleyes:

Anyway to the point:

My Toyota R22 (injection not carb) motor does not seem to have any horsepower.

It can barely attain a speed of 55 at full throttle.

And up any inclines is a real problem.

Will cruise at 45 on a flat plain ok..

Motor starts up fine, runs without a hitch, but has no get up and go.

ALso if I step on the gas pedal hard it will just very slowly start to pull.

So something is obviously wrong, timing, injectors, plugs???

I wanted to ask all of you before I go a spend tons of money on a mechanic to look around.

I am also pretty handy as a mechanic and have knowledge of motors.

Some background:

1986 Travelmaster (Savanna) 21 foot..

41,000 miles, clean inside and outside.

Motor does not use oil or smoke, does not misfire, and pretty smooth running.

Not tested MPG's, but it seems excessive on fuel use.

Automatic Trans, shifts perfectly

New muffler and tail pipe.

Gas tank was leaking so a mechanic removed it and repaired leaks for me, did not notice any gunk in it.

A/C does not work (Not really a problem)

Has never had a tune up to my knowledge.

I can drive it fine around town at 45-50 mph, but we want to do some travelling..

ANy suggestions or where to start..

I really would apperciate any suggestions form anyone..

Thanks in advance,

Phil

As a 30 Year professional tech, I really like the plugged exhaust/catalyst theory. Since it runs smoothly otherwise it is unlikely that compression is an issue. Ignition timing could affect power output but with modern electronic systems, timing seldom changes. Disconnecting the exhaust would be a way to check for a plugged catalyst but loud. There are guages that require a small hole to be drilled in the front pipe that can spot plugged catalysts. Also a vacuum guage can be used but is harder to interpret. If it is plugged a new catalyst will be an immense improvement in power and milage.

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  • 2 months later...

As a 30 Year professional tech, I really like the plugged exhaust/catalyst theory. Since it runs smoothly otherwise it is unlikely that compression is an issue. Ignition timing could affect power output but with modern electronic systems, timing seldom changes. Disconnecting the exhaust would be a way to check for a plugged catalyst but loud. There are guages that require a small hole to be drilled in the front pipe that can spot plugged catalysts. Also a vacuum guage can be used but is harder to interpret. If it is plugged a new catalyst will be an immense improvement in power and milage.

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  • 1 month later...

Most likely you have a 4 speed automatic Model A340H transmission

Whoa there, cowboy....that ain't right. The rest of your post was fine work, though.

2WD Toyota trucks of that era sport an A43D 3 speed plus OD tranny. The A340H is found in 4WD pickups and 4Runners. A43D has no electric controls other than the OD solenoid and relay A340H has a separate computer, a transfer case, and is a completely different unit.

The A43D is identical to the Volvo AW71 inside. The ID plate and casting on both units will show 03-71. The extension housing is different from the Toyota, but can be easily swapped out. In my part of the world, the A43D is hard to find, but once I became aware of the Volvo issue, I found a good donor unit a few minutes from home for a mere $100.

The advice in this thread for the lack of power problem is sound. Follow it closely. Also, clean the throttle body. The butterfly can look find from the front, but be filthy at the rear. Remove the TPS when doing so - cleaning can kill it - and while it's off, replace the maddening phillips head TPS screws with allen head ones to make future adjustments easy.

A Seafoam treatment to the motor can work wonders.

One largely unknown problem that can wreak havoc with performance are the unforgivable butt connectors used on the fuel injector wires in the main harness. They corrode and fail after many years of use and can completely confound mechanics who find everything else to check out fine. You have to pull the intake and get inside the harness to repair this, but it's not difficult.

I bought an 87 4Runner, no rust at all, for a tiny fraction of its value because the owner couldn't get it to run right. He threw parts at it like a madman, to no avail. 50 cents worth of solder, wire, and heat shrink tubing fixed it.

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