Taco hesitation on startup

2008 Tacoma 4dr 4wd
110,000 miles

For the last couple months, my Tacoma has had some hesitation while starting after sitting for awhile. It cranks strong, but it feels like a fuel problem to me as it kinda "sputters" (for a lack of a better word) and finally grabs 2-4 seconds into the cranking.

This morning was noticably worse as it took about 5-6 seconds before it finally started, with the same sputtering motion.

This started before a tune-up, and during the tune-up plugs were changed as well as the throttlebody being cleaned.

What I think it could be : I know fuel pumps have a check valve in them that holds pressure on your fuel line to the injectors while your truck is not running, maybe the check valve is leaking by?

From what I understand the fuel filter is located on the fuel pump inside the tank, so If i go through the trouble of dropping the fuel tank im just going to replace the entire fuel pump assembly. Pump and sender and filter.

Any other ideas before I tear into it?


EDIT: Truck runs fine after startup, no misfire while idleing or driving, and gas mileage is still 17-18mpg +/-

 

My '08 with 114k just started doing this as well. Interested in hearing some suggestions.

 

I see this is an old thread, but I have the same symptoms on my 07 with 185k. Starter turns strong, but engine stumbles for about 2 seconds once it fires. After 2 seconds, RPMs go to normal and everything sounds fine.

OP, did you ever resolve this issue?

Anyone have experience solving this?

 

Hey guys a little late to the party here but I had something similar a couple years back on my 08. I took it to the dealer and they did a V6 tuneup and idler pulley fix. perhaps that is of some help? thanks