2010 will turn over, but not starg

Suddenly after driving all day with several stops and starts, my tacoma would o ly turn over, but not start/run. Only after spraying a little starter fluid into the throttle body did it start. That became the process for the remainder if the day. At a couple of these sessions, the engine I stead of starting would clak (I assume pistons slapping valves). Then a couple more shots of starter spray and it'd either start or diesel for a time then the only way to stop it would be to 1st turn ignition off (thus has no effect), , but a couple taps of the gas pedal and it'd stop dieseling. Added notes - once it starts, it runs like a champ until it's turned off again. The only thing done recently (within the last 5 days was to take it into the dealership to figure out why I have a check engine light and traction control light on. My mechanic, my self and the dealership know its from lean codes in the left and right bank, but can't determine why.

So is this issue (main topic of this post) a lack of priming or what? And if so, how can I determine that?

 

Sounds like a fuel issue.
Check fuel pressure at startup / cranking.

BTW, the pistons never hit the valves.
If they did, it wouldn't "run like a champ"......

 

I'll check. Any idea what the loud claking might have been?

 

The rattle on startup is concerning (suggests a timing chain/guide/tensioner or cam phaser is on it's way out) but I agree with @TnShooter checking fuel pressure should be you next step.

 

The damn fuel pressure test kit I rented from O'Riellys didn't have a quick disconnect fitting to mat h up with the ones on the engine. Going back to store.

 

Who's have thought - the ignition key ampliphier transponder was no longer staying fully connected. And by chance, the use of starter spray to start the truck a as merely a coincidence and a byproduct of turning the key. Crazy. Now to find one quick and cheap
Thanx to all of you who responded - all of your input and insight really helped me. Glad I've joined TW. Thanx again!