2004 LX470 False Starting (1 Viewer)

[jm34]

Howdy,

My 2004 LX470 with 240k on it has bad starting issues. The first start of the day is usually just fine. Once I've been driving it around and it heats up, other starts end up either taking forever or failing completely. You'll hear the initial start, then when it doesn't start, the LX tries again. That's not me turning the key again.

I will say that there's a knock in an exhaust valve somewhere, and as crazy as it sounds, it might need a head gasket, as well. Not sure if they're related, but figured I'd at least tell you.

Any thoughts on what's going on?

 

[jm34]

Bump.

 

[SteveH]

Fuel pump/fuel pressure issue? Is there a code/check engine light? Why do you suspect the head gasket? If you suspect the head gasket, you might do a compression test.

 

[jm34]

Just throwing ideas out there as to why there's a starting issue when the engine is hot. No dash lights as even though it will struggle to start, once started it runs strong, no issues.

 

[excessive]

open your gas cap when this happens to see if there's a lot of excess pressure

 

[jm34]

Excess pressure leaving the gas cap area?

 

[jm34]

open your gas cap when this happens to see if there's a lot of excess pressure

I just did this and a lot of vapor came out. Took about six seconds to stop. It was visible. In relation to this starting problem, what might that mean?

 

[ODSTbee]

I just did this and a lot of vapor came out. Took about six seconds to stop. It was visible. In relation to this starting problem, what might that mean?

There's an issue that comes up regularly in the 100 series forum. When your gas cap has a bunch of pressure it seems to usually be a result of boiling fuel. That is, the fuel tank gets so hot that the vapor pressure builds up and it releases when you open the gas cap. I'm not sure why @excessive knew to check, but this is probably something you want to solve regardless of whether it's the cause of your starting issue. Let me check, I think I have a bookmark for a good post on this topic.

 

[ODSTbee]

Found it.

Post in thread '100 Caught fire & gas tank venting concerns' https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/100-caught-fire-gas-tank-venting-concerns.1018603/post-15977096

I linked to a good post on items to consider refreshing as preventative maintenance, but you'll probably want to read and decide for yourself.

 

[jm34]

Found it.

Post in thread '100 Caught fire & gas tank venting concerns' https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/100-caught-fire-gas-tank-venting-concerns.1018603/post-15977096

I linked to a good post on items to consider refreshing as preventative maintenance, but you'll probably want to read and decide for yourself.

Thank you for this. My last LX was a 2015 (I went back to the 100 series after owning an 07 and loving it, and it's cheaper), so I need to get my brain in gear on taking care of a much older vehicle. There seems to be so much going wrong with my 04 that I'm really wondering if it's worth it.