Long/hard start, truck doesn't always start need to hit the gas - 2003 Tacoma TRD

as the injectors age the resistance of the coils increases and this effects the pintel actually opening or fully opening... could be a contributing factor too.

 

This is the wettest and most grimy area I could find. My valve covers look good for the most part. In the back left (cylinder 3 I believe) there appears to be a little leak maybe, but not even close as the leak around my oil filter.

 

Whoa yeah looks like your oil filter is leaking bad or maybe that line going underneath it? Not sure if that carries oil or not.

 

The other side for those interested..

 

Looks like the valve cover on that side might be bad too, or the bolts need just a small 1/4" turn. Don't turn them too much though, they require very little torque

 

I think the line is electrical but I would need to check again. I bought a new Napa Platinum oil filter and some Mobil 1 synthetic high mileage motor oil so I'll do the change today.

 

Maybe check the filter and make sure the seal from the one before it didn't get left on by accident (sometimes they get stuck)...that would cause it to leak badly. But usually when that happens it leaks so bad you lose a lot of oil very quickly.

 

You think it's the gasket or cover itself? I'll give em a 1/4 turn just to see if that helps.

 

Sorry I meant the gasket, it's a common issue with the 3.4l once the miles get high. Valve cover gaskets are a regular topic on the forum

 

I've noticed! Doesn't seem like it's too complicated of a fix though. I'll add it to the list of things that need done lol. The bolts on the valve covers were all really loose. The back two especially. I gave them all a quick turn. Thanks for the tip!

 

Did you try holding the key to the ACC (systems) location for a few moments and then starting the truck?

If you go straight to start it can have issues

 

Couldn't tell you for sure. I'll be more mindful when I go to start and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

The line was indeed electrical. It was an engine ground wire. I cleaned up the area as best as I could, so hopefully with the new filter and the oil whatever was leaking becomes sealed. I did notice that the plastic gasket on the old filter was very very shallow, whereas the new filters gasket was probably double the size. Moving forward I'll be checking the dip stick to make sure I'm not losing more oil.

 

Unrelated, but is this too much movement in the center support bearing/carrier bearing? The squeaking is from my Willy Creeper not the drive shaft. I've seen mixed comments on this piece -- some say it shouldn't move at all, some say it should move but only very little. Just curious what your opinions are on it? I've been chasing a vibration when I drive, not sure what it is yet. It isn't the tires, wheel bearings isn't super likely, the front and rear diffs have all synthetic gear oil, and so does the transfer case. My guess is U-joints or this carrier bearing is bad. The vibration is really noticeable from 35-70, and occurs when accelerating or coasting. I know it has something to do with the drivetrain!

 

Probably time to replace the carrier bearing then. They will always have some play, but too much means the bushing around the bearing is probably cracked or worn and it will cause vibrations

 

I have a video I'm trying to upload, but for some reason it's a pain in the ass to get anything uploaded to this site lol. Give me a minute!

 

Can't upload videos to this website, you have to upload them to Youtube or some other video service and then post the link. Can only upload photos to TW

 

Thanks for the info! Here it is!

 

Yeah that looks like too much play to me. Especially since you say you have a vibration while driving, driveline vibration is big symptom of a bad carrier bearing

 

@YotaOregon33

This is the Spicer bearing that Toyota uses for our trucks, if you order it through Spicer (or get it through Amazon) it's half the price of going through Toyota

$101 Spicer 211750-1X Center Bearing Compatible with Select Toyota Models 1995-2021

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GAPFD2E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1



FYI - if you look at the Amazon link, they say it doesn't fit our trucks, but don't listen to them. I have this bearing and so do many others on this site...here's a thread about it too

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-genuine-oem-carrier-bearing-for-79.583219/