Maintenance help...wont start.

Today I changed the plugs, wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, and air filter. When I put it all back together the fuel filter wasn't on tight and fuel shot out of it. Now when I try to start it, it just starts and stops. I tried disconnecting the battery and also just turning the key to ACC a bunch of times to get the filter filled up, but it still just starts for about 3 seconds and then stops. Is this a fuel related problem or a spark plug wire connection problem or something else. Let me know your thoughts I dont want to have to bring it to the dealer. Thanks

 

The plugs were

$6 NGK 3967 NGK Spark Plug Stock # 3967

NGK 3967 with the head coming from two sides, I wasnt sure how to gap them so I didnt. I also let it sit for over an hour and tried it with no luck. I turned it over at least 10 times each time letting the fuel pump prime a little bit before turning the key. Is there any sort of safety device that would not allow me to start it after having fuel shoot out of the fuel filter?

 

The fuel filter was toyota's OEM and the wires were

$45 NGK 4412 Tailor Magnetic Core Wires

NGK 4412. I also cleaned the MAF with MAF spray from oreilly automotive.

 

Just tried pulling the EFI fuse and then starting it and had the same problem. Starts and runs for about 2 seconds and then stops.

 

I'm going to try taking the wires back out tomorrow and putting them back in to make sure they are fully secure. If a plug wire isnt all the way on would it cause this problem or would it just run like crap?

 

just for shits and giggles, but you did notice there is a direction of flow on the fuel filter right?

 

Thanks, I feel like it is probably something simple (I hope) as long as I get it going by Monday I will be fine.

 

Yeah I checked that and rechecked it, I am pretty sure it can only go on one way.

 

All right, let's see what we got here.

Your truck starts then dies, right? So we have fuel, but only momentarily. Make sure you didn't unplug the fuel pressure regulator, when you did the left hand plugs. It's got a vacuum line going in to it, at the end of the fuel rail, in the back.

Second, make sure you didn't kink the fuel line that runs up the side of the motor. It's the spiral wrapped flex line that comes up from the frame, and goes to the fuel rail. Almost impossibe to do, but it doesn't hurt to check.

Third, take a look around everything you worked on, and make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.


I'd guess it's something simple, since the truck ran before you worked on it. Like someone else mentioned, double check the orientation of the fuel filter. I'm pretty sure they only go on one way, but anything is possible.

 

I tried putting the old fuel filter back on and took out the plugs and wires and put them back on as well. Still have the same problem. When I first started it the fuel filter wasnt on correctly and a bunch of fuel shot out of the fuel lines around the fuel filter. Is there any sort of fuel cut off or any other safety thing that it could be?

 

firing order on the wire replacement. :shrug: or maybe if there is one of those bleeder valves for the fuel pressure. idk this maybe way off but id thought id make a suggestion.. you'll get it going!

 

Right now I have the spark plug wires set up like this:

Firewall

Left Back --------- Right Front

Left Middle -------- Right Back

Left Front -------- Right Middle

Radiator

I think this is correct but there isnt a diagram in the haynes manual and when I called the dealership they gave no advice. If my diagram doesnt make sense let me know.

 

have someone turn on the key and see if you can hear the fuel pump whirring in the tank?

Check all igniton fuses to make sure nothing is blown. By the sounds of it(runs for a sec, then dies out) that your wiring is wrong. Check the wires themselves and make sure there good and tight.