Why does it lack power?

[jumpinjivinjoe]

I have a 1977 toyota Corrola. It will not go faster than 35 to 40 mph and seriously lacks power uphill. What is the problem? Is it the vaccum advance? or Is it the valves? What else could it be?

[piso]

if it was the valves you'd probably be hearing a ticking or a knock (you'd know). unless the timing is off and they're staying open at the wrong times and then... you'd still know. check to make sure your compression is right and that all of your spark plugs and wires are arking. if you dont have a cylinder getting any spark then you wont get any power out of it (and you'd lose alot going up hills and during acceleration). it could also be the vaccum hose but i think it would idle rough if that was the case, or you could have a problem with fuel send sometimes. id say check your electrical system first and then go from there

[4agetercel]

Originally Posted by piso

id say check your electrical system first and then go from there

On a 77'? no fuel injection there, so thats scratched off the list, the only electrical thing on the car that would stop it running period is the coil and the car runs so i doubt its anything electrical, i would take a look at the timing over anything else, then go from there

[Zembonez]

Clogged converter? Slipping transmission/clutch? Time-Space Continuum?

[4agetercel]

Originally Posted by Zembonez

Clogged converter? Slipping transmission/clutch? Time-Space Continuum?

Seized Muffler bearings??

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by jumpinjivinjoe

I have a 1977 toyota Corrola. It will not go faster than 35 to 40 mph and seriously lacks power uphill. What is the problem? Is it the vaccum advance? or Is it the valves? What else could it be?

We need to know more stuff here. The 77 Corolla is a fine example of vintage Toyota craftsmanship but due to its age, there could be one of about 240 million things wrong with it.

With a little more description and some more facts, we might be able to narrow it down for you. I'm sure we would be happy to try anyway.

[jumpinjivinjoe]

Thanks. I will check the timing (How many degrees?). I will check the compression. It has an automatic transmission so it would not be a slipping clutch. I will also check for spark in all the cylinders. Thanks again!

[4agetercel]

Originally Posted by jumpinjivinjoe

Thanks. I will check the timing (How many degrees?).

Just line up the marks on the camshaft and the harmonic on the bottom

[Doctor J]

Is this car has "semi-electronic" ignition by the any chance?
If so check the points.
Also with engine OFF make sure that accelerator linkage opens the throttle all the way
The 2tc engine has chain driven cam located in the cyl. block.
I have not heard that this chain could stretch or jump the tooth as it fairly short.
In order to check the valve timing the chain cover needts to come out.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by jumpinjivinjoe

Thanks. I will check the timing (How many degrees?). I will check the compression. It has an automatic transmission so it would not be a slipping clutch. I will also check for spark in all the cylinders. Thanks again!

Automatic transmission can still slip big time. Does the engin rev but you don't go anywhere?

The venerable 2TC was never a powerhouse engine... especially with an auto.

EDIT: I realize this doesn't explain the original complaint completely but any drop in perfoemance would be large in such a low power engine.