Newbie with FJ80 Intermittent Start problem

[waterstone]

Hi,

I'm just bought my first LandCruiser, a 1992 FJ80. Always wanted one and finally have one, but know almost nothing about them. I ordered all the manuals from Toyota and am learning what I can. I'm not a mechanic, but I can follow a manual and am good with tools. When I was younger I worked on older vehicles, but not on cars made after 1972. Now to my problem.

The FJ80 starts and runs fine most of the time, but intermittently, after it's been driven for a while ( anywhere from 20 minutes on up ) it will not start after I shut it off. It runs fine while running - no hesitation, skipping, etc, but simply turns over when trying to start it. Let it sit for at least 8 hours and it will start up again perfectly. It gets great spark but does not seem to be getting fuel when this happens.

Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, ignition coil are new. Valves have been adjusted. Mechanic has tried to duplicated by letting it run in his lot, taking it on short trips, letting it sit for various lengths of time, etc. to no avail.

Last time it happened I had it towed it to my mechanic and while we tried to start it he pulled the return fuel line off and nothing was coming out, so he's guessing fuel pump, but is puzzled as to why it always starts after sitting for such a long period of time.

In the past three years its had the EFI replay replaced twice, the starter replaced, the wiring harness worked on and a kill switch and alarm system removed.

My questions for all of you: Ever seen this before? Any ideas on what it could be? Is removing the return fuel line and watching for fuel a good test of the fuel pump? Exactly where is the fuel pump access panel? I saw threads that refer to it being under the second set of seats on the left towards the middle. How hard is it to expose the access panel? Can I replace the fuel pump myself?

Thanks for any help you can give. My two youngest daughters & I are waiting very impatiently to enjoy this vehicle.

Waterstone

 

[waterstone]

Addendum: Sometimes when this happens I can smell fuel, but not sure where the smell is coming from - might be to the rear fo the engine compartment.

 

[CJF]

You are experiencing the classic 3FE symptom of a failing Fuel Pressure Regulator. If it's been going on for too long, the fuel pump might also need replacing, but start with the FPR.

Curtis

 

[psfpilot]

Welcome aboard! This place is great. I have learned a lot here, and it led to the purchase of a second 80 series, so watch out . Try the search function for "fuel pressure regulator", it should give you some good information.

If you decide to replace the fuel pressure regulator, I recommend purchasing OEM parts from cruiserdan on this forum (800.432.6668, ext.8). Mention the 'Mud forum and he will give you a healthy discount so you can get OEM parts at near-aftermarket prices.

My only connection to Dan is as a satisfied customer.

-Jon

 

[waterstone]

Thanks for the ideas. I've called cruiserdan and got prices on the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel pump. I'll talk to my mechanic either today or tomorrow and see what he'll charge to put the regulator in. If it's not too procey I'll have him do it, otherwise I'll try it myself.

Saw some other threads talking about cleaning the Fuel Pump Relay contacts. Anyone know where it is on my cruiser? The EFI diagram does not seem show it, or I'm missing it.

- Steve

 

[CJF]

Saw some other threads talking about cleaning the Fuel Pump Relay contacts.

- Steve

Not 100% sure, but I thought that was a 93-97 issue with its own set of symptoms.

BTW, the FPR is pretty darn easy to replace; why not try it yourself? Do you have a manual? Get the Factory Repair/Service Manual here:

Toyota Publications 1-800-622-2033

Good luck,

Curtis

 

[psfpilot]

Not sure if you were planning on it or not, but replacing the strainer on the fuel pump inlet would be a good thing to do while you have the pump out. Verify that one comes with the pump, sometimes it is a separate part to order on aftermarket parts; I'm not sure about OEM. My strainer was clogged, so I unnecessarily replaced the pump a few years ago.

 

[landtank]

don't forget the EFI relay, it will often not work after getting warm.

 

[waterstone]

Thanks for all the great ideas. The EFI relay was very warm the last time we had the problem. Unfortunatly I was rear-ended on the interstate early thios evening. A dog in the road caused traffic to slow and the line of cars was beginnning to accel;erate again someone behind me was not watching and hit me at full highway speed. Cruiser is totalled but I'm home and a bit achy but okay. Hate to think what would have happened had I been in my Subaru Legacy. Love the truck even more now that is saved me from serious injury. Well, hopefully we can get another one.

- Steve

 

[CJF]

Holy crap!!

Glad you're ok!

Curtis

P.S. I still say it was the FPR.

 

[landtank]

glad to hear you are allright.

 

[psfpilot]

I'm glad you're OK. I guess that's one way to fix the intermittent start problem. Good thing you drove the Cruiser.

Now you can take the insurance check and buy a 93-97 cruiser with more power.

 

[waterstone]

Thanks everyone. Will go see my Cruiser tomorrow. Will be a sad farewell. It was a Texas car. To a New Englander that means the chassis was like new, no body rust, and the interior was absolutely perfect. I'll start looking for another Cruiser next week, after I get some time estimates from the insurance companies. Driver that hit me and drove me into the other car and the jersey barriers was cited for driving with an expired license and charged with reckless endangerment, so hopefully I'll get the money quickly. He managed to push the cruiser around like a toy with an old Toyota Corolla. Trooper said he must have stood on the brakes to leave the skid marks he did so he must have been going really fast to total the Cruiser.

Amazing how an accident like this can make you hurt all over and make life seem so sweet at the same time.

Looking forward to my next cruiser,
Steve