2nd gen Runner not starting; FUEL FILTER? FUEL PUMP? How to diagnose?

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LeftCoast

LeftCoast

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Hi all,

Trying to get started again. 93 4x4 3.0 Runner was sitting for a week or so, started right up, then crapped out on me after a few minutes. Was low on gas, so added a couple gallons, and tried to start again and just turns over, and starts to chug a tiny bit, but no dice starting. I had to break the locked gas cap, so an air hole was in the system when I tried to restart, if it matters.

It's a new truck to me, with a replacement motor, so not a lot of history. How are the fuel filters to change on these things? What's the procedure? (I know the real answer, do it before you put the motor back in!) Also, if a pump problem, will a pump from an 88 22re pu truck be a usable replacement?

Any other possible causes that jump out at you, fess up! Condensation???

Thanks, guys.
 
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The fuel filter is on the inside of the pass side frame rail in front of the gas tank....

Hmmm I'd pull the fuel connection at the cold start injector and hold it in a jug or something..... and have someone crank it over and see if you have fuel....

No gas cap could be a problem, but I haven't heard of that causing such a problem, usually just idle problems.....
 
2ndGenToyotaFan said:
The fuel filter is on the inside of the pass side frame rail in front of the gas tank....

Hmmm I'd pull the fuel connection at the cold start injector and hold it in a jug or something..... and have someone crank it over and see if you have fuel....

No gas cap could be a problem, but I haven't heard of that causing such a problem, usually just idle problems.....
Click to expand...

Thanks, 2ndGen, I thought it was on the motor, like the 22re.

Could you help me identify the cold start injector? Thanks, man.
 
Oh I forgot to mention that it's still a pain to change! :D Sorry...

The cold start injector bolts into the pass side end of the upper intake and has a clasic "banjo" fuel fitting I think, and a 1 or 2 wire connector that plugs right in. You could actually just pull the injector out as it should be operating while you crank it over since the truck is cold... instead of undoing the banjo connector as the washers "should" be replaced whenever you do take them apart.....
 
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Before opening up the fuel system and ruining gaskets, try something much easier first, the diagnostic procedure that Toyota built into the EFI system. Get a paper clip, bend it into a U shape, you just made an SST. Find the Diagnostic connector under the hood, it should be near the main fuse box by the battery. Open the cover, find the Fp and +B contacts. Stick the paper clip in these contacts, then turn the key to ON. If you listen carefully beside the truck at the filler, and on top of the engine, you should be able to hear the fuel pump run. You'll hear the hummm from the tank, and hear gas hissing thru the pressure regulator on the fuel rail. If so, then your fuel pump is fine and the engine is getting fuel. If not, well either the pump is dead or you have a wiring problem.

Did you check all the fuses?

Having the cap off won't keep the truck from starting, but it will probably idle rough and may turn on the CEL.

Changing the fuel filter on that truck is a ROYAL PITA. Be prepared to take a bath in gasoline. You'll need a 14mm and (I think) a 17mm flare wrench. Don't even attempt it without the 14mm flare wrench, you will round off the fitting on the fuel lines, then you'll be in big trouble. It's easier to remove if you drop the tranny crossmember, but you probably don't want to do that. That's why I almost ALWAYS change them when I do a clutch job in these trucks.
 
"gas bath" That's a pretty pretty good discription.... the procedure says release the fuel pressure.... but doesn't tell you how..... There's just no room is all..... it's easy to see and touch just not to get a wrench in there. and yes check the sizes and then go get the right flare wrenches for the job.

BUT! Pull the codes first, it's easy free and may tell you exactly what's wrong. There's a link in the FAQ thread also.
 
Thanks guys.

Can I use a fuel pump from an '88 22re 4x4? Is it interchangeable with a '93 runner with the 3.0? Do I need to empty the tank to remove it (bed will be off the truck)? I thought the runners had a plate under the passenger's rear seat that allowed access to the top of the tank, to remove the fuel pump. There's a triangular plate I took off, and a big black piece in the middle that looks welded, but doesn't look good on access.

Also did the test KLF recommended, and two or three clicks somewhere at the engine and the drone of the pump was easily heard. Does this mean the pump's OK? Could the fuel filter be so bad it's clogging the entire system?

No computer codes
Also, what fuses are behind the glove box? Should I check them as well (driver's kick plate fuses are ok)?

Thanks again, today's my first chance to mess with this.
 
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