No start, need help

Hey guys,

I'm having a little trouble with my 1998 Toyota Tacoma TRD, which has a 4L V6. It's 4WD and manual.
My problems started a few months ago when I was driving up a mountain pass.
The truck starts fine every morning, but after running for a bit, if you turn it off, it won't start again.
I replaced the battery and took it into a mechanic. He replaced the plugs and an O2 sensor among other things, but after several visits and lots of money, the problems continued.
If I use starter fluid, it will start up fine.
The problem only occurs after running the engine for about 10-15 minutes or more. Fuel level in the gas tank does not affect the problem.

 

Sounds like a compression problem.
@Bebop @gearcruncher @BartMaster1234 @eon_blue

 

I haven't tested how long it takes to cool, but this is really similar to my situation. I could start fine in the morning, drive it to work, turn it off, and a few hours later it will start just fine. But, if I try to restart it even a few minutes after turning it off, it tries but doesn't turn over.

 

sounds more like a starter issue. look up heat soaked starter

 

you mean it cranks but doesnt fire?

 

I'm out of my league here, but doesn't the starting fluid fix point away from a starter issue?

 

Yes

 

yeah I read that after...I thought you said it wouldnt crank after it heated up. But if it turns over but doesnt fire off, more likely what others said. Your fuel injectors leaking which when you spray starter fluid its changes the fuel air ratio which gets it going.

 

My apologies. I can turn a wrench, but I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to the jargon. From my experience, when trying to restart the engine, it sounds like it isn't getting enough fuel. I had a bad fuel pump in an old Silverado nearly a decade ago that sounded like this every time I tried to start it. But my Tacoma only does it after running for a bit. The engine turns and tries, sometimes even kicking it over like it's about to start, but then dies as if it doesn't have the fuel. I apologize for not being able to describe it more accurately.

 

maybe change the fuel filter also...

 

I had start-up issues with my tacoma - seemed like it was too rich in fuel and would sorta bog down and try to fire up but unable to. I thought it was the gas I was using.

Then I turned the key to the electrical power location (the acc think it’s called) and let it sit for a good 20 seconds, then fired up the motor. It solved all those pesky start-up issues and bog noises. And starts up like a charm now every time.

May or may not be related to your issue, but when you do get it running, I’d recommend setting the key to the “acc” location for a good 20 seconds then firing up the motor. It helped my startup issues and will probably ensure your components last longer

In terms of your issue, seems like its gotta be one of these issues: 1) fire 2) air 3) fuel

Try ruling out 1 at a time I suppose

Sorry not a pro mechanic can’t give more advice

 

Suggestions for a fix?

 

Hard time starting when warm can point to leaky injectors...when you drive the truck and shut it off, the injectors leak fuel which makes it hard to start if you try to turn it over again a short time after shutting it down. If you let it sit for a few hours or more, that leaky fuel evaporates and it starts up normally.

 

I don’t know how you got a 98 taco with a 4.0l, so I’ll just assume you mean the 3.4
For no code diagnostics you need to check your basics. Fuel, air and spark. If you are dumping fuel from a leaky injector the. You should have a misfire code unless it’s staying open. I had this happen with a Chevy traverse. I pulled the spark plug with the engine off and I could see and hear fuel coming in through the intake valve with the engine off. Problem is you have 6 injectors sonit will take some time. Make sure you are not overheating.

 

you are not going to fix it by throwing parts at it. you are going to have to do what Bebop suggests and check the basics. Since it starts with starting fluid it could be an electrical issue or a fuel pump issue. There is minor possibility that a temp sensor is sending the wrong info to the PCM but you are going to need a decent scanner and someone who knows what they are doing.

 

Fuel pump comes to mind

x2 on fuel pump

As I said before keep the key on the ACC location it 'should' build pressure to the pump before firing. Don't just aggressively turn the key over.
Or in the case you need a new fuel pump, take care of it by allowing it to build pressure before firing

 

Needs compression fuel spark air and timing.

 

If you’re saying it starts fine cold but not hot I’m going to guess make sure the egr is functioning properly and/or engine coolant temp sensor. Good luck!

 

First free checks:
1)pull spark plugs see if they are covered in fuel or fouled by anything in general.
2)Check fuel pressure while its not starting and see if you have fuel pressure. Either look online for specs or check pressure while it starts fine and compare. (i dont know the toyota spec since i mainly work on Mercedes)
3)Run codes even if u dont have a check engine light there might be a stored code. If you dont have a scanner Autozone runs codes for free.

 

Let us know once you get it figured out!!