Rough start when turning 98 tacoma 2.4L on

Hey new to the forum and still doing a lot of researching. Just picked up my 98 tacoma 2 days ago and am in the process of researching all my maintenance I need to do.

The truck idles fine and runs great. It has 175k miles, but when I turn key to start it really hesitates and keeps cranking. It barely turns over, but always does.

Like I said Im going to replace all fluids and plugs here in the next week, but what are some things I can be looking for to help it have a more healthy start.

Thanks in advance!!

Mac

 

It's not a slow crank. It just cranks for longer then it should and then barely turns over.

 

Fuel filter ?

 

Yes, right off the intake tube before the intake box, right? What should I check on that?

I know its a super broad question, and many possible problems, but Im looking for a few common problems or things to check.

I appreciate all the help!!

 

Great, Ill pick up some of that cleaner tonight and give it a shot.

Youre saying if it starts the same disconnect it and start it disconnected?

Any other possible things I can clean or adjust that you can think of?

Thank you!

 

Ok Ill give that a shot and see what happens, thanks!

 

Bump for anymore ideas.

I think I found a vacuum leak so I'm going to try and find that. Changed the oil last night with Mobil 1 syn high mileage and it runs a little better.

 

To help your looking for solutions, Demon Taco has suggested, the Gasoline filter. That is good place to start, but do you have idea of the prior servicing of the Taco ? Has anyone changed the timing belt ? your problem sounds more fuel related, so you may want to check your fuel filter first, then your fuel pump, then your intake butterfly to see if it clogged with carbon.
Good Luck and Welcome to the Forum.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

I was reading about it and talking to a few guys that said its a total PITA. How do I check to see if its good or not? I just bought the Haynes manual today so Im soaking that up too.

Not to sure on prior maintenance, but Im guessing minimal. The oil that I changed was pretty bad. The 2.4L has a chain, so I lucked out there.

Thanks for the input!

 

When you say cranks longer that it should, I get that...extended crank times...but then you say it "barely turns over" can you explain that in more detail? I will say though that many extended cranks are usually a fuel related issue. (though not a rule) so a fuel pressure gauge would be a smart investment. You need to be able to measure the fuel pressure at the rail though, which is difficult on the Toyota. (never could figure out why they never put a fitting on the older Toyota) Pull the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator. Does it have fuel in the vacuum line? If it does, you have a faulty regulator. There are many other possibilities from faulty fuel pump check valves, to bad pumps, clogged fuel filters, etc. The more detailed information we have the better. Is there a chance you could post a video/audio clip of starting your truck?

 

Sorry for the late response Bill. I really appreciate the detailed help. I changed the spark plugs in it today and unfortunately the old ones were in pretty good shape, and the start issue is still there. I will try and get a video tomorrow and post it up. I will pull the vacuum line and check for fuel. Anything otherfuel related issues that I could do a quick troubleshoot on? I think the auto hobby shop on base should have a fuel pressure gauge.

Thanks in advance,
Mac

 

your battery is getting week pull it and have it checked.

 

Here is one thing i did beside complete tuneup, I had to replace the battery cables, and when i did i really cleaned the ground connections with a wire brush, one in the engine compartment and one on the block.

 

i just did this to my wifes car. same symptoms as yours op.

 

love your sig cant stop looking lol

 

Did a compression test and it was 95, 195, 195, 205


Any advice on places with good used engines or advice on rebuilding?