98 2.7 intermittent cold start stumble

[fastolds]

hello all-
my 98 2.7 has a rough start most of the time when starting it cold. No CEL, only usually does it for 20 seconds or so. I pulled the plugs, saw that the #1 cylinder was wet compared to the other cylinders. I can't tell if its coolant, oil or fuel that is sitting on the piston when it happens. My coolant level is a little bit low, but i don't normally want to condemn anything without proof.

I swapped the #1 and #2 injectors, thinking that if it was one leaking down, the other cylinder would get wet too. It doesn't seem that way, it looks like #1 is still the wet cylinder.

I guess i'm looking at a head/headgasket issue, but i wanted to get some advice or thoughts before tearing into it.

The truck has 205k on it, and hasn't had any major repairs, other than a complete exhaust system through the years. I changed the oil every 3-4k, and the coolant itself still looks green and doesn't have a crappy burnt smell.

One thought i had other than HG is that carbon buildup in the cylinder is absorbing fuel for cold start, I'm in the process of running top engine cleaner through the engine, and we'll see if that helps.

Any thoughts?
thanks
Adam

 

[steve-]

Funny that you posted this as I just had the same thing happen yesterday.Have about the same mileage as you too on my 2.7
I came around the corner from my house on the way to work in the morning and all of a sudden it just kind of had no power,not really 'missing' just not really wanting to go.Cleared up though and seems OK now.
Do you have a consistent cold start problem? My Runner has always kind of felt slightly flat at just under 2k RPM,tomorrow doing a full tune up and cleaning the MAF as well.Maybe the fuel filter too but since it is under the intake manifold might wait on that one.
If you figure out your problem post it up.

 

[fastolds]

my 98 seems to have a consistent, but not all the time, stumble when first starting. The tune is relatively new, using factory yota plugs and wires. I replaced the fuel filter a long time ago- probably at 125k or so.

I did have 1 injector fail on me. Going down the road, all of a sudden, it would violently shudder, and got a flashing check engine light. Thats when i put new wires on it. When that didn't fix it, i swapped injectors- and the misfire followed it. Replaced 1 injector, and haven't had a problem since.

With my latest problem, I pulled all the plugs out and #1 cylinder was wet. Looking down into the cylinder, you could see that almost standing fluid in it. I'm really starting to think that the headgasket or head is starting to fail. Haven't seen any white smoke from the tailpipe yet, but i have a little bit of unexplainable coolant loss.

Anyone know of the best source for headgasket set and all related parts to do the job? I figure i'll need a timing set, since i'm at 205k and all. I've been debating on pulling the engine, and resealing it- i have an oil leak, probably the rear main or the oil pan. I might see about getting a low mileage used engine.

can't make a decision yet though.
Thanks
Adam