Hey all, been awhile, but always appreciate the input and wisdom here. 97, 2.7L, 2wd. 263,000. Been experiencing some issues with starting lately and cant quite figure it out. Seems to stall out or not fire completely. It only happens after the vehicle has sat for a bit. Doesnt matter if its a few hours or overnight. What ive recently noticed is that when cranking it sputters a bit, and I can give it some throttle and get it to fire up. After a bit of rough idle, it returns to normal and runs like nothing ever happened. I can shut it down and restart with no problem, however after a few hours, same problem. No CEL's. Anybody experienced anything similar?
Random no start...sort of?
- Thread starter AHTex
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
calimobber
Member
This is a total guess but Id start with fuel filter? maybe it takes some pressure to get through a clogged filter? Im just guessing.
Or maybe it doesn't like the open loop fuel system and once it switches to the closed loop it runs better? ( you can google closed vs open to understand if your unaware what that means)
Or maybe it doesn't like the open loop fuel system and once it switches to the closed loop it runs better? ( you can google closed vs open to understand if your unaware what that means)
I originally thought fuel filter, but arent those things meant to last forever on these engines? Im thinking some sensor problem, but without a cel, its hard to pinpoint. I noticed this issue shortly after i replaced the pcv valve and a cracked vacuum hose, although I think it is purely coincidental. I finally have some time tomorrow to take a look, but wanted to throw the question out there.
St Runner
Member
Two things I would check. I am assuming you have the two coil engine and not the 4 coil or earlier distributer. Replace the plug wires. I had to do this every couple years on mine. Check and see if your cast iron exhaust header is cracked. If it is you need to remove the valve cover and check your valve tolerance specs. If they are not within spec also check your compression. If your compression and valves are within spec then I would replace the plug wires and go onto the fuel system. If your cast iron header is cracked replace it with the newer mini tacoma header
St Runner
Member
The fuel filter on the 2.7 is pretty cheap but it is not easy to replace. It is tucked up under the intake manifold and you can't even see it. Pretty much have to replace it by feel. A compression check on the 2.7 is quite easy and is the first thing I would check with that kind of milage
Thanks for the info, these are all things I will look into today. As with most, theres a long story on this vehicle, but in short, it sat for about 5yrs. Its been in the fam its entire life, and maint had been done up until recently. Anyhow, in short, I had an oil leak at the filter housing. During the repair, noticed the cracked exhaust manifold and replaced with mini. Changed plugs, wires, pcv, basic tune up stuff. Ran fine for a few weeks, and then this started happening. To my knowledge the valve clearances havent been checked in quite some time.
St Runner
Member
Good to know the history. If it sat for 5 years just recently then I would lean more toward it being a fuel issue. I would also check the compression because of the cracked exhaust header. From what I have read esp on the tacoma sites is that the cracked exhaust header puts more stress on the valves where the crack is (usually the two middle cylinders) A compression check can tell you if something is wrong. If the compression is pretty even then you can take your time checking the valve clearance and concentrate on the fuel side
Copy that. My original problem after it sat was a bad fuel pump, along with 3yrd old fuel in the tank. I either removed or burned up all the bad fuel and put stabilizer in the tank after the fp replacement. May be a fuel issue. Sure is nice drivin her again, i hope to push it up into the 4 or 5 hundred thousand mile mark, but first things first.
Im thinking ill just replace the fuel filter. I knew it was going to be a pita, but thanks for the thread link! That really will save some time. Unfortunately it rained all weekend so I didnt get a chance to get into it. I'll report back with the outcome. Might as well do a compression check also. Never done one on this engine, but it looks straightforward.
Hey all, just wanted to check back. I finally got around to changing the fuel filter. That was really fun! Anyhow, it seemed to solve my random no start and had no problems, until today. Pulled into a parking spot, came out 20mins later. Cranked with no start. I returned a few hours later to tow it( tried cranking again with no luck), pushed it 25ft so I could hook up a strap and boom it started right up and ran fine. Now im really confused. Im definitely thinking a fuel issue though. Anybody had luck running seafoam? Im going to cut open the old fuel filter, and ill post some pics of what i find.
calimobber
Member
I don't think seafoam will solve the problem but I like seafoam a lot. Its mostly for gummed but injects and engine grime. It def can't hurt to run some through everything. I've ran it a bunch but my 240k motor always sounds as good as it did at 140k miles.
This video is a good one for seafoam or look up chrisfix youtube he puts a camera in the engine and compared before and after pics.
YouTube
Im curious is the fuel pump is working when its not starting, that would be my first check. you can place your ear on the carpet above the tank and have a friend turn the key so it primes.
This video is a good one for seafoam or look up chrisfix youtube he puts a camera in the engine and compared before and after pics.
YouTube
Im curious is the fuel pump is working when its not starting, that would be my first check. you can place your ear on the carpet above the tank and have a friend turn the key so it primes.
Last edited:
FunBobby
New member
I don't know about his engine, but the 3.4 doesn't prime when you turn the key, the fuel pump only kicks on when the engine is actually running or the starter is engaged.
sportscarfan
New member
If it sat for 5 years, the fuel tank probably developed rust inside. So, you changed the fuel filter and it clogged with more rust.
Its always the intermittent problems that are the fun ones. I replaced the fuel pump a year or so ago. Dropped the tank and poked an inspection camera around. It surprisingly looked pretty good in there. Ive pretty much worked through the entire fuel system up to the filter from the tank. Pressure regulator, injectors? Its almost the weekend so ill have more time to investigate. Thanks for all the help out there.
