Is my fuel pump toast?

[ToyotaBrah]

Guys-

I need help on nailing down this issue which has been going on for quite some time.

Scenario: Truck is in accessory mode for 2-3 minutes, I go to start it, and it just cranks...and cranks. After about 5 seconds of cranking, it will sputter and then start. This same thing will happen in summer when it's just sitting outside. It sounds very much like the truck is struggling to get fuel.

I found another member with similar symptoms and it turned out his fuel pump was at fault. Before I commit to the same approach of replacing the pump, is there anything else I should check? I've done a tune up with new NGK wires and factory spark plugs.

Truck is a 2001, 3.4L with 248K.

Appreciate it,
Faheem

 

[Mark_BC]

Technically, no, since toast is slightly burned bread that you put peanut butter, jam or vegemite on.

I'd like to be able to monitor mine too before it goes. I want to put in a fuel pressure gauge. This guy did it.

Gauges

 

[gamefreakgc]

Fuel pumps are a rare failure and a pain to replace. Have you done a full tune up lately, so new spark plugs, PCV valve, cleaned the MAF sensor? Fuel pump issues normally show up when the engine is under load, not at idle since it's hardly using any fuel at idle or startup.

 

[Wedgy]

Have you changed the fuel filter ?

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Yep, new spark plugs, wires and MAF is clean. PCV is old. Have the replacement with me for when I get around to doing the VC gasket job, but I highly doubt that is creating this problem.

The fuel filter is original. I'll definitely be replacing that soon (and I probably should anyway).

Link to the thread I was referring to with symptoms similar to mine:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/90760-engine-cranks-3-times-too-long.html

 

[spartacus]

Guys-

I need help on nailing down this issue which has been going on for quite some time.

Scenario: Truck is in accessory mode for 2-3 minutes, I go to start it, and it just cranks...and cranks. After about 5 seconds of cranking, it will sputter and then start. This same thing will happen in summer when it's just sitting outside. It sounds very much like the truck is struggling to get fuel.

you can test the fuel pump, also [MENTION=147235]Renegade_Medic[/MENTION] has a good write up with pics on his build thread.

 

[mtbtim]

If you end up needing to replace the fuel pump, this video could help you out.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GrzX_K-jcuo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Renegade_Medic]

Guys-

I need help on nailing down this issue which has been going on for quite some time.

Scenario: Truck is in accessory mode for 2-3 minutes, I go to start it, and it just cranks...and cranks. After about 5 seconds of cranking, it will sputter and then start. This same thing will happen in summer when it's just sitting outside. It sounds very much like the truck is struggling to get fuel.

you can test the fuel pump, also [MENTION=147235]Renegade_Medic[/MENTION] has a good write up with pics on his build thread.

Thanks for the shout out!

Here are a few pictures and a couple posts below I give a walk-through of sorts.

I'd highly recommend you get the fuel as low as possible, including running empty provided you have some spare fuel in a can (at least 5 gallons).

Definitely need long reach needle nose pliers that have a 90 degree bend in them, it helps. I also just dropped my tank again this past week to put in a High Output pump for my 7th injector. It was a breeze the second time, especially since I left all the hose clamps where I could actually get to them. It took me less than an hour start to finish.

For unhooking the pressurized fuel line to the engine, I'd recommend spraying the threaded areas of the fuel filter with penetrating oil for a couple days first. Remove the rear connection on the filter and unhook the other hoses, leave on section on the tank and on the other hose, leave it on the frame side, so you won't get them mixed up. Also, on the top vent hose going to the rear, undo it in the middle of the tank at the frame crossover.

Having a power ratchet will make this job easier as well.

Good luck and PM me if you have any questions!

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Tim- you and Sean are rockstars! Thank you for posting the link.

I'm pretty darn sure after reading even more on here and Yotatech that the check valve in the pump is acting up, so I think I will be replacing the pump.

Renegade_Medic- Thank you for the tips and heads up. I will be tackling this soon. I will be staying in touch with you if I have any questions (which knowing me, I probably will).

 

[gamefreakgc]

Tim- you and Sean are rockstars! Thank you for posting the link.

I'm pretty darn sure after reading even more on here and Yotatech that the check valve in the pump is acting up, so I think I will be replacing the pump.

Renegade_Medic- Thank you for the tips and heads up. I will be tackling this soon. I will be staying in touch with you if I have any questions (which knowing me, I probably will).

Good luck! If you can, grab a friend to help. The tank is rather large and unruly, it likes to tip over even with only a couple of gallons in it when you are putting it all back together. It's not a hard job, but it takes a while since the hoses and connectors are in awkward spots.