1997 Corolla Craps Out at High RPM

[bigbopper56]

My 1997 Corolla has 220,000 miles on it and runs pretty smooth, except when bringing the engine RPM over 4,500 or so when accelerating. At that point, the engine craps out so bad that the car actually slows down. After upshifting, the problem goes away, but then the same thing happens when the RPM's get high enough again. I've tried new plugs, rotor, and injection cleaner, but nothing works. Any ideas?

[joykill]

blown head gasket maybe

[bigbopper56]

Would the engine run good the rest of the time?

[bigbopper56]

What exactly would be happening if the head gasket were blown? Would it be a leakage of combustion gases between cylinders? There are no loud engine or exhaust noises associated with the problem, just a very noticeable sudden loss of power.

[johnholl]

Have a mechanic perform a fuel pressure test and compare to the minimum acceptable pressure. It May be a weak pump or clogged filter

[veedubmechanic]

New pump is about 100.oo on ebay + you need a new tank gasket.

New fuel filter is about 30.00 from dealer

I replaced my filter at 98k and went from 23mpg to 29mpg.

repalced my pump and noticed a HUGE difference in performance especially above 4000prm