Help, having a hard start problem

Hey guys, well a relative has a 2001 Tacoma and they are having a hard start problem. I'm the "Car Guy", so I was asked if I could help, which is why I'm here.

So having hard start issues last week. Well today they go start the truck, and it would not start at all. So I just cranked it and stepped on the gas and it started, but once I let go of the gas pedal it would die. I did notice that once the truck started for the first time it let out a puff of white smoke.

I do know that the fuel filter hasn't been changed, so I can start with that. Also, where can I hook my fuel pressure gauge at on this engine? Anyway to diagnose this problem without having to throw parts at it and hope it fixes it?

 

Fuel filter of fuel pump itself.

You could pull a fuel line off the engine and crank it, see how much fuel comes out of it with no gas pedal.

 

Well I guess that could tell me if the pump is working, but I'd like to know where I can tap into so I can read the pressure.

 

I don't know enough about the 1st gen engines. But I am sure you can pull off the main fuel line coming into the engine. Just gotta find which one it is. I am sure a 1st gen guru will be in to help anytime now.

 

to do fuel pressure test, u have to find adapter to fit fuel rail. but its hard to find, to me i just lose bolt at fuel rail then crank engine and notes how fuel come out

 

Well looks like I can check the flow of gas once I remove the fuel filter. Just for kicks, anyone know the correct fuel pressure I should be getting?

 

around 45psi

 

Also to add, there is no CEL or codes stored.

 

Just an FYI, but the 2001 Tacoma does not have an external fuel filter. I would be happy to help out if I can, but would need more info. is it the 2.7L or the 3.4L? Auto or manual? Reg cab, ext cab, double? (A lot of this information if for checking wiring diagrams and such as well as general information)

First off, I would say to double check that puff of smoke on start up. Can you confirm 100% it is white, and not perhaps slightly blue, indicating a rich condition? Leaking fuel injectors can cause intermittent hard starts, and eventually can cause a no start unless you apply throttle. Once it starts, if you continue to apply throttle, does it appear to run normally?

 

And just dump gasoline all over the engine?

There are better ways to do that.

 

Wow, no external fuel filter? Does it have one at all?

It's 2001 2.4L, Auto, Ext Cab. 2WD

As for the puff of smoke, it's 100% white, not blue at all. It won't start until I step on the gas pedal and I have to keep it pressed to keep it running. Once I let go of the gas pedal it stumbles, idle lowers and shuts off.

 

Maybe leaking head gasket or cracked head/block letting coolant into ur cylinders...

 

Well that puff of white smoke was once it was started after trying for sometime. There was still some remnant of smoke after starting it a few more times, but I cannot get it to stay on.

 

Try a compression test and/or cyl leak down test. It'll let u know the condition of your head gasket, block/heads, piston rings, etc

 

Did Toyota change something in 2001? My 2000 and my fathers 2002 have external fuel filters on the drives side frame rail.

 

Good place to start there. A blown head gasket can ingest coolant into the combustion chamber, causing white smoke. My information shows the 2.4 and 2.7 do not have external fuel filters, but instead have the classic "sock" filter in the tank before the pump.

The two you had were probably V6 models. I was believing most likely at the start that he had a 4 cyl. Perhaps I should have been more specific. Sorry.

 

Just crank 3sec it then shut it off.

 

Well I just checked it out and it does have a fuel filter. It's underneath the intake manifold. The filter is mounted to the block and connecting via banjo bolts to the fuel lines.

 

The stock pump should put out (unregulated) around 57 psi. The FPR regulates that down to around 43psi.

All 1st gens have both external filters and in-tank "strainers".

 

I had thought so myself, but the service manual information that I have did not indicate it.

I will bring this up with my electronic service manual supplier. It states that 2001 2wd 2.4 and 2.7 do not have external filters. I will have them go back and check their information. Thanks.