4Runnner hates being cold

[helusay]

Hi guys,
I just bought my 1990 4Runner 3.0 V6 and in the morning when it is cold, it hates life. The engine sputters (cuts out) while I am driving, and this is after letting it warm up to the point where the temp gauge is reading just to the left of center and warming in the driveway for 5 - 10 minutes. One time my trans didn't want to shift out of 2nd. I am having ALL kinds of problems when it is cold, when it is warm, everything it fine. I have NO idea what is causing it, and I live in the Phoenix, AZ where our lows have been in the 40's lately. I can't imagine how it would be if I lived in Montana or somewhere it gets REALLY cold. Does anyone have any ideas for me?
Thanks

 

[fd59]

You might want to check out the ignition timing. I am not sure how the temp has anything to do with it, but your description of how the engine run when it is cold sounds like the ignition timing is off. It is possible that one of the cams has jumped time also. How many miles on your timing belt?

 

[helusay]

Hey fd59,
Thanks for the reply. I have no idea how many miles the timing belt has on it, but the truck has 122,000 miles on it. I did take it in for a tune up and found it was running on only 4 cylinders, possibly 3. Got that all fixed, and it runs well, but the trans just doesn't want to shift correctly. I found a place out here in Phoenix that will rebuild the trans for $1650 and I will have them do the rear main seal while they are in there. And actually one of my first priorities was to get the timing belt changed anyway since I have no idea on the mileage, and I will have the water pump done then as well. Any other suggestions? I will certainly welcome them. Thanks again