2003 Tacoma SR5 3400 V6 Starting problem

Hello,

Looking for some advice on a problem that I have with my Tacoma.
Here's what I am experiencing.

1. Normal startup (cold) at home - starts fine, runs fine.
2. Drove it to store about 3 miles, picked up a few items - about 15 minutes - re-starts fine, runs fine.
3. Drove it home a bit longer way - total about 10 miles round trip.
4. parked in garage.
5. waited about 15 min. try to start - Fires off and stumbles like it is flooded, can't clear, and it dies. more tries and it doesn't even stumble, will not start.
6. wait about 45 min. to an hour, try again, starts right up, runs perfect.

Anyone experience this?

190k miles - well cared for, truck is in great shape, always ran perfect before this starting problem started recently. Runs perfect once started. No Check Engine, does not throw any code ( I have a code reader).

A very good local shop that specializes in Toyata recently changed fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulator. We are stumped. Any Help or ideas appreciated

Jerry
.

 

Leaky fuel injector?
Compare the spark plugs. If one looks different, that is a clue.

 

Have you checked the fuel pressure when this happens?
MAF data when this happens?
ECT when this happens?

 

Sounds like the fairly common hot starting issue, though you seem to have it worse than most. My truck will usually take a couple extra cranks to start after a similar drive.

Most common problem/fix I’ve seen is fuel injectors

 

Thank you, going back to the shop to talk to them today. I will take these suggestions. Appreciate.
It does act flooded, After an hr. wait, it starts like nothing happened and runs perfect.

 

I'm still learning my 5vzfe, but on other car makes I've seen this similar problem be a coolant temp sensor. They get old and out of spec and cause the ecu to run rich or lean after the sensor gets heat soaked.
I hope someone else chimes in and says if these 3.4s ever have that issue.

 

Yes!!!! I have this same issue. Ive got recent injectors, but i put them in so.....
Once it cools off it'll start up again
Seems like if i feather the pedal and click the key slow it helps some times.

 

I took some time one morning to test the issue, and listed everything in detail for the shop, as to elapsed times when it started and when it would fail. Previously, they were unable to make it fail because they were not waiting long enough, or waiting too long for the (heat soak?) problem to develop and go away. This helped them to reproduce the issue. My derailed notes were exactly what they needed to test and diagnose. They narrowed it down to fuel delivery. We replaced the fuel pressure regulator, but that did not fix it. They put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel pump, and found a low pressure condition. I decided to have them replace the fuel pump. Very expensive labor as they have to drop the fuel tank. I am happy to report that the issue is fixed. It was an expensive adventure, but my Taco is in extremely good shape, and it is perfect for my needs, as I am retired. I hope my experience somehow helps others. Best of luck, and thank you for your comments.