couple of 91 rodeo problems.

[Eagle88]

ok, first, I have a severe lack of power. I have to downshift 2 gears going up a moderate hill, usually end up in 2nd and running about 5000 rpm to keep 35-40 mph Is thias engine that weak? has around 160,000 doesn't burn any oil, but fuel use is about 12 mpg. I can't even back out of my driveway.

2nd. A friend was doing something under the hood today, and now tach does not work, what to I need to check. Also, is there any special steps for setting timing on this? It is a 3.1

Please help...

[Ramblin Fever]

Had a 91 as well, with 3.1L V6.

Sounds like you need a good tune-up = new spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, fuel/air filters, possibly fuel injection cleaning service, etc.

You "can't even back out of the driveway" - not quite sure what you mean by that. Truck won't go in reverse, or is it chugging?

[Eagle88]

have a slight grade up the driveway, it won't climb it. I have to pull foward and go through the yard foreward to get out. So I woulsd say it is chugging then stalls

[steveb_92rodeo]

I would start with a compression check on the cylinders. The tester is relatively cheap to buy, or you might even be able to rent one.

With that tested and out of the way, check the timing. In order to do this, you will need a timing light. THey are easy to hook up and use. A haynes manual will explain this.

Typically, you hook one of the cables around the #1 plug wire, the other end to the battery, fire up the vehicle, and point the strobe light at the timing mark on the front seal cover. (There is a pointy tab sticking out, look between the power steering pump and water pump). When the light flashes, the line or mark on the crank damper should line up with the 12 on the tab marker. I probably didn't explain this too well, but I've never been a good teacher, just a quick learner

The tach may be as simple as a wire pulled off or broken off the coil. There are a few wires that go to the distributor/coil, check to see that there isn't anything loose.

Steve

[Eagle88]

checked it out the other day, timing was at about 4 deg atdc. Goes pretty good now.