Whats wrong with this truck?

[Sean7187]

I found a 4runner that I want to buy but the owners are saying that it runs good parked but as soon as you take it out of park and try to drive it just sputters and dies. Its and 88 with a v6. Could it be the head gasket issue?

 

[SUBTEGRAL]

When my head gasket(s) blew, my truck still ran great, so I doubt it ... ?

 

[cztheman64]

sounds like something in the fuel system

 

[Sean7187]

Yeah I would think with the head gasket blown the engine would just get hotter then normal. It may be the fuel pump or the hoses, Toyota had a recall about the fuel hoses.....

Recall as follows....

Recall Reason FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,DELIVERY,HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Recall Date FEB 16, 1988
Model Affected 4RUNNER
Potential Units Affected 4842

Recall Summary
IMPROPER ROUTING OF THE FUEL HOSE COULD CAUSE SOME FUEL HOSES TO HAVE INADEQUATE CLEARANCE TO THE EGR PIPE.

Consequence
HEAT FROM THE EGR COULD CAUSE THE HOSE TO CRACK ANDRESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.

Remedy
REROUTE FUEL HOSE TO ENSURE PROPER CLEARANCE AND REPLACE HOSE, IF NECESSARY.


Will Toyota still honor the recall and service this truck if it has not be done on this VIN yet?

 

[SUBTEGRAL]

Yes. I get this done soon.

I just called Toyota about this after I created an account and entered my VIN (see my thread: Toyota Owners!) and they'll set me up an appointment when I call them back tomorrow (Monday)

 

[the_dingman]

Sounds to me like a vacuum or transmission issue. It's likely either really minor or really major.

 

[Sean7187]

If its the transmission any idea how major? Sorry for the questions, but this will be my first 4runner and I know little about the transmissions on these. I grew up working on old chevy cars with my dad when I was little. I'm also thinking it could be a timing issue. I pick up the truck in about a month when I get back home. I will be getting pictures from the people I'm buying it from. It looks like a solid truck just has that one sputtering issue. They want $1500 for it, is that a good deal? They say I have to tow it and can't drive it home, please let me know what you guys think. I will post pics asap.

 

[JohnsD90]

If its the transmission any idea how major? Sorry for the questions, but this will be my first 4runner and I know little about the transmissions on these. I grew up working on old chevy cars with my dad when I was little. I'm also thinking it could be a timing issue. I pick up the truck in about a month when I get back home. I will be getting pictures from the people I'm buying it from. It looks like a solid truck just has that one sputtering issue. They want $1500 for it, is that a good deal? They say I have to tow it and can't drive it home, please let me know what you guys think. I will post pics asap.

$1500 if the rest of the truck is in good shape is a good deal, do a tune up on it, change oil, plugs and wires, clean the throttle body, let it idle with some injector cleaner, put fresh gas in, make sure the fuel pump works, check for leaks in the lines. I dont forsee this being a huge issue, but i am a 3rd gen guy sooo...

 

[Sean7187]

Cool, I just want to make sure I'm not making a mistake. I plan on doing all of what you said when I get it home. I just hope the transmission isn't going to need replacing right away or a rebuild. I hope the issue is just something simple and cheap. I want to be able to take this out on the trail ASAP. Thanks for the help.

 

[the_dingman]

If it's a transmission problem, you'll likely need a new one.

Ask them how long it sat. There's a good chance the fuel is just bad.

 

[WoodsRunner88]

Check and see if your main intake tube from the mass air flow sensor (MAFS) to the throttle body, is cracked or is loose on either end, I have seen Toyota's run fine at idle with the a leaky intake tube, but as soon as there is drag put on the engine they will sputter and sometimes quit. The fuel filter is are very easy to locate on the 3VZ-E 4Runner, it is on the passenger side frame rail by the transfer case cross member if you want to replace it, I would. You can also unbolt the fuel tank skid plate, and take out the drain plug on the tank, to get all of the water and junk out of the tank. Finally if you want to try it, you could pull your air cleaner out and while it is idling you can reach up inside the mass air flow sensor and move the flap in a little while you open up the throttle, see if you can get it to rev up better by overriding the MAFS, if you can get it to run better then it probably has a vacuum leak somewhere. To find it you can spray a little WD-40 on the lines and if it all of a sudden revs up then you found your leak. Good Luck hope this helps.