Help diagnosing a fuel pump..

Hey guys I'm a new member here and my wife's 2000 Tacoma with 565,000 miles (No not a typo. Used to be a pilot car), is randomly not starting. Its the base model with the 2.4 engine.

Before we got married her dad replaced the fuel pump with a used one because it wouldnt run, and it fixed the problem. Its been about 2 years since then, and last night the truck died at her parents house and wouldnt restart. Her dad sprayed starting fluid down the intake last night and it would only run on that. So it definately is a fuel delivery issue. Tonight we towed it back to our apartments with my dad's truck, and when we got back it started right up like normal and ran for a few mins. Go figure..

My question is, do you guys think the fuel pump is going out again? I cant hear the pump run when they key is turned on or when the engine is running. I had a previous car that randomly died and started running again when the fuel pump was going out. Just want to get some more opinions before I actually start buying parts and dropping the tank. Also if anyone could show or tell me where the fuel filter is would help too

Thanks for any help guys!
Ryan

 

I believe it's in the engine compartment toward the firewall. If u pm me 2moro I have access to all data I can look it up for you

 

Believe there are 2 fuel filters. One in the tank and one along the frame on the driver's side. But Im not 100% on the 5 luggers
There are pressure guages you can get and put in the fuel line to see if the pump is working correctly. Might be able to borrow/rent one from a parts store.

 

This ^^.

The first is, in fact, located in your gas and is . The second is located under the intake manifold, and isn't much easier to access. Check out this thread for details.

 

I actually found a description of where its at on autozone's website, after posting the original message although not sure how accurate it is. It says its under the truck on the passenger side by the frame rail so I'll check tomorrow. Its also the 2.4 engine not the 2.7 like the link you posted.

Any thoughts on the pump itself? Almost every other car I've driven you can hear the pump "whine." With this truck cant hear anything. Maybe its weak? Just curious if any of you guys can hear your fuel pumps?

Thanks
Ryan

 

My exhaust is too loud to hear the FP.

 

i would try replacing the fuel filter. driver side midway the chassis on my truck. 2000 ext cab sr5 v6 may be different on yours though.

 

I apologize for not being more clear, but wanted to include the picture from the previous thread. I think your filter is similarly located. (This thread, this thread, and this thread all seem to confirm it's in the engine compartment.) I'm pretty sure the passenger side frame rail filter is only on 3.4L V-6 Tacomas.

 

mine is a 3.4 v6 and the fuel filter is on the driver's side.

 

So you guys were right, the fuel filter was underneath the intake manifold. Took the driver side wheel off and it wasnt too hard to replace. The old one definately was bad, the filter element inside was rattling around. Seems to run a little smoother now too. Definately beats replacing the fuel pump! Thanks again for the help guys.

Ryan

 

Did the bad fuel pump under the manifold make the truck make a repetitive thumping sound when the truck was placed under a load? How did uou determine it was bad?