Been lurking around the boards for awhile now first post though. I have a 87 swb montero, and I cant figure out whats wrong with it hoping you guys have some advice to help me figure out this engine problem. It all started about 3 weeks ago My montero randomly started stalling out I figured it was just because of the weather change. Then it was fine for a few days. Then out of no where it just starts running like crap couldn't give it anymore than 1/4 throttle or it will just bog down, and die. Was like that for like 2 days then it wouldn't run at all would start and idle okay, but as soon as you would put it in drive and attempt to move it would just bog down. Looked at everything, and didn't see anything wrong. I finally gave up, and took it to a dealership, and they told me it had a bad reed valve, and that was blowing exhaust gas back into air cleaner. they also said it had a leaking intake gasket, and they wanted almost a 1000 bucks to fix I laughed, and said no way unplugged hose running from reed valve to air cleaner, and it ran great........drove it for about a week while i waited for new part to come in, no problems then out of nowhere started running like crap again. Now they only way I can keep it running is if I keep the air cleaner lid off or don't tighten it down....runs good this way no problems. Ive replaced plugs, they looked fine.....put in a new air filter which is basically trashed after 3 days...put a new pvc in it no change. Have not replaced intake gasket, because I don't feel like that is the problem. With the lid closed it sounds like its backfiring, and smell's like raw fuel, and oil is blowing back up through carb. I just dont know where to start on this Im used to my OBD II cars where I can just get a code and diagnose from there, and me and carburaters don' get along very well lol. I remember fiding a post on here that the person had the exact same problems as mine but a solution was never given. Sorry if this was so long just trying to explain the best I can. I need this fixed so I can start driving my Montero again I miss it. Any help would be appreciated thanks.....Sean

First, welcome to the 'Wire'. I'm sure someone will chime in on this and what to check. In case you haven't, I'd also double check the FAQ's and Archive forum to ensure it's not already covered there.

I'd also doublecheck your vacuum lines (there are lots on that Mikuni) as they have a tendency to crack when aged and will no longer hold a vacuum therefore give very poor performance.

Other than that, I'll let the real 2.6L experts chime in here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I would start with the basic, run a compression test. Last time mine did this was a burned valve



Look at your plugs and see if they tell you anything, otherwise post a photo here and someone will give you a opinion. Check the timing with a gun. Check every single one of the vacuum lines, you can't just eyeball. You have to pull everyone one and look for cracks.

For $1000 you can replace the head with a clearwater and a carb from FC products.

$1,000 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> What are they smoking?

I replaced my head with a non-jet head from Clearwater heads and I didn't spend $375 !!!

You mentioned the reed valve, you can get rid of that thing, it is useless. I took off the pipe from the manifold to the carb, cut the pipe, inserted a Chuck e Cheese token and screwed it back in, it works perfect.

Since the malfunctioning reed valve was dumping a bunch of crap into your carb, I suggest give it a good cleaning with plenty of your favorite carb cleaner.

Good Luck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
Javy

I think you have me beat- I just put a couple quarters in there... in case I ever REALLY need some spare change. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

yea I didnt plan on getting new one lol I just have it open right now. As far as the vacuum lines go they all appear to be in good shape tomorrow Im gonna borrow a vacuum gauge, and do some more investigating. I still don't understand why it runs with air cleaner lid off or slightly to the side?

lol I'll have to give that a try

Pulled my secondary air and welded the big nut that goes into the turbo housing (or is it the downpipe?).

Get it fixed and join us at Haspin Acres March 28th and 29th. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> What part of Indiana are you in?

do you mean that oil is blowing up into the air cleaner?
run a compression test as mentioned, you can pick up a tester for about $30 and if you can change plugs you can run the test. if your intake gasket leaks your screwing up the fuel/air ratio and in turn your rig will run like crap. you can seach for a intake leak by spraying around it with wd while its running. run the comp test, post the numbers and replace the intake gasket then go from there. btw, does it smoke and welcome to the wire.