2008 Hard Start Sporadic

My 2008 Tacoma TRD will sporadically crank but won't fire over. It only happens every 4-5 months. Me, being the awesome amateur mechanic that I am (not), pop the hood and take off the magic part (see picture), blow on it and then replace it and it will start. I know this part has nothing to do with it so it feels like magic when I'm close to home, but when I'm in the woods or traveling, makes me nervous.

I've had the dealer and other shops look at it, but because it doesn't happen often, they can't recreate it and no codes show up. Has anyone had this problem and know how to fix it?

At your mercy, TacomaBob55 Thanks!

 

Thats part of the charcoal canister evap line. Sounds like the purge valve from the charcoal canister might be stuck open flooding the engine with fuel vapor. By removing that piece you clear out the line and allow fresh air in.

Id start by doing a leak / smoke test of your evap system / gas tank.

 

that valve can’t be more than $30. Why not replace it?

sporadic issues starting at high miles on vehicles in general (not sure about the Tacoma specifically) generally point to needing a fuel pressure test to verify the low pressure fuel pump is failing.

on most cars they last 100-200k mi and even worse with the Tacoma is that it doesn’t come with a separately replaceable cheap fuel filter to replace on a maintenance interval to help extend the life of the fuel pump. Which probably costs more and is harder to access to replace.

 

That circled purge line goes into the purge valve just underneath the engine cover. Take the line off and check for the presence of vacuum at the valve with the engine running. With the valve disconnected there shouldn't be any vacuum at all. Any vacuum, even a little bit indicates a leaking purge valve. It should be sealed up 100% unless commanded open by the pcm. They're comon to leak and can cause weird intermittent no-starts

Also clean the throttle body