Loss of power at highway speed then dieing?

Hello all, a FNG here (to posting anyway, been hitting up this site for advice for several months). I bought a 1996 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, manual transmission two months ago and am working the bugs out, I have an issue that has me stumped and could not find the answer in another thread.

It has always lost a little power pulling hills at interstate speed but with the 2.7 engine pushing a 6 inch lift and 32's I would expect that.
I was on the way back from a 150 mile trip and I noticed a slow drop on the speedo, like I was pulling a hill with a load. Accelerator to the floor didn't even rev the engine, I downshifted to 4th to keep it near the speed limit but I was still having to floor the accelerator. Exiting the interstate, I downshifted to third and it just died. To start it again I had to give it alot of gas and floor the accelerator just to keep it running, as soon as I let off on the gas it would die...wash, rinse, repeat until I finally made it home. The engine is running really rough. No warning lights popping up on the dash.

Some mods that I do know of : new OEM sparkplugs, dealer fuel system flush and new belts last month. It has had a top end job, starter, fuel pump, fuel filter and battery in the last 10,000 miles.
It has just under 190,000 on it.


A couple of folks offered thier opinions..one was junk in the fuel tank, their thinking is the ethanol fuel is corroding the fuel system, suggested a new fuel tank and to run non ethanol fuel from now on out (?????)
Another thought is it is a timing issue.

I am about to try to limp it to the dealer (I am blessed with a good one I trust and they don't rape me on cost) but I really want some
more info before I do. Advice Please!

Update....I just got home and started it, it started fine with no gas needed...runs just like normal but it does have a horrendous rattle/vibrate. I am baffled.

 

have the codes read. you may have a MAF sensor issue or an ignition issue.

 

I'm thinking clean the MAF sensor. Check the EGR Valve isn't sticking open or closed and check the vacuum hoses carefully for dry rot or leaks. Also check any wiring around the EGR isn't pinched or burned. I wonder if the fuel pump relay may be shitting the bed, too.

 

Ok, dealer just called, said I need a new motor. Used one for 3100 and a new one for over 6000. Bad bearings they say.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!! Are they just blowing smoke up my @$$ or could this be the truth?

 

Since you are a female, I would say have a mechanic look at it before the dealer. The dealer sees $ signs in their eyes when a female walks in the door.

 

Anything is possible, but I would get a second or third opinion before considering that as my only option.

 

Ok, after talking to my sister (we grew up with POS Fords and neither of us are stupid when it comes to mechanical stuff)...Neither of us could wrap our minds around it being a blown engine and here is why I say that.
I do PMCS weekly on it, it has never needed oil, after this problem started I check the oil, looks good, not black or sludgy or milky. The oil light never comes on until it is 'dying', just like the rest of the dash lights. The dealer is trying to convince me that the bearing went bad because of lack of oil circulation, they say the oil screen "probably gunked up".
When I DROVE it to the dealer, it started, idled and ran just fine except for what sounded like a sheet metal rattle coming from under/towards the rear of the truck UNTIL it got warm. About 17 miles into the journey, it started it's loss of power thing and eventually died.
Sis and I are both thinking exhaust/catalytic converter...hence why it runs fine cold but has problems when warm.

I will have a face to face with the 'mechanic' tomorrow...I have a sneaking suspicion I am being hoodoo'ed (because of me being a female)..If I throw out the "Gee, wonder what I could get for it as a parts truck" and he makes me an offer I may punch him...

 

Have you tried having your codes checked? Even though your CEL may not be on, codes are logged.

 

why didn't i think of that? LOL

 

They did check the codes....Nada, except for low oil pressure....AND they found a leak in the tranny...

So, it looks like I will be hanging out in the Gen 2 threads from now on....they just got in a repoed one owner 2011, already lifted (thank you former owner), 2.7 regular cab, manual..I am trading my daily driver (2010 Soul) and the dead Taco for it...Pics soon.

Thank you guys for your help, I appreciate your help!!

Carpe Diem!