Weird Starting Question

2001, 2.7, 4x4, Auto

In the past 4 months, my truck has had a tough time starting on two occasions. Both in the morning, during mild cold weather. I had to basically give it a ton of gas, pumping the gas pedal, for around 10 seconds to get it to fire and start. This has only happened twice. Other than that, it runs great, no other issues. The first time, I thought it may be a cold weather anomaly. The second time was this morning, so I am thinking there may be an issue brewing. After this happens, the garage smells of gasoline for a good few hours.

Thoughts?

 

This has happened to me a handful of times over the 3 years I've had my truck. It's in tip top shape but once in a blue moon it will crank/turn over several times before firing up, and twice it's done it without starting at all (had to wait awhile then try again).

The only answer I could get was that this is 'normal' for the 3.4l and that sometimes they can be stubborn to start. But since you have a 2.7l that wouldn't apply...or maybe it does and it's just a Tacoma thing in general lol.
99.9% of the time it starts right up and always drives normally so I don't really worry about it much but it would be nice to know for sure why that happens on rare occasion.

 

fuel pump?

 

you shouldnt have to "pump" the peddle on a fuel injected vehicle....worst problems to troubleshoot are random ones. could be ignition related since its getting fuel obviously. Crank position sensor or something like that going out. Any CEL codes or lights?

 

No lights. Haven't checked for codes yet. Just bought a OBD2 scanner. It should be here in a few days. Runs great other than these two random times trying to start it.

 

This was my initial thought. I was just confused on why it has only done 2 twice since I have owned the truck. Fine every other time.

 

I replaced the fuel pump in mine and it still happened to me a couple times afterward. In the 3 years I've had my truck, I've replaced just about everything at least once...spark plugs/wires, fuel filter, fuel pump, O2/air fuel sensors, MAF sensor, catalytic converters, battery, cleaned the throttle body, coolant system flush...probably more things I'm forgetting. The random difficulty starting still happens on rare occasion just like it did when everything was stock.

The only thing I haven't had work done to is the fuel injectors, though I have run several cans of B12 Chemtool injector cleaner through them recently and to be honest I haven't hard a hard time starting it in awhile.

 

Could be the fuel pressure regulator not holding pressure in the rail, that was my problem after letting it sit overnight

 

Was it just a 1 time thing or persistent?

 

I had this issue with my 2.4L, changed plugs to Denso, the correct ones and has not happened in a long while.

 

Good call. The plugs are just over a year old. I would hope that's not the issue for me!

 

It was anytime it sat for more than a couple hours

 

is this a crank and no start or no crank condition? I ask because there are 2 different ways to go depending on which it is. A crank and no start is either spark or fuel, duh, but I suspect the battery/connections/cables. You did not mention HOW she cranks but you did mention it seems to be temperature related, does it spin over fast enough? If the starter seems to be laboring and the voltage drops below 10 volts- ish the coil(s) wont fire.

There is a clear flood mode built into some but not all F.I. PCM's... I would have to scope the injectors to see if Toyotas have this feature. If you fully open the throttle with the key in the off position and keep it open and then crank her this usually puts the PCM in clear flood mode, i.e. no injector pulse so no fuel.

She wont get fixed by throwing parts at her... this is relativly easily to diagnose with a multi meter and a little time.

 

Crank and no start, although it will start after a few cranks and pumps. Seems super weak. Just seems to labor. Only does it periodically. Afterwards, the whole garage smells like gasoline.

 

sounds like a faulty FPR or bad injectors

 

I think you are on the right track. But my question is why would this only happen periodically?

 

No clue. Maybe can't hold pressure for long periods, leaks as a result.. floods the cylinders.. hence the hard time starting and fuel smell

 

I suspect that the electrical contacts inside the starter solenoid are the culprit.

https://www.ebay.com/i/132251940229?chn=ps

This may or may not be THE kit for your truck, I am using it as an example. When you turn the key to the crank position the round plunger is pulled into making contact with the 2 "L" shaped contactors and the starter turns. These get worn and sometimes the electrical contact/connection is not so great. When it isn't and the starter doesn't get everything the battery has and it "labors"... not enough amperage. Then the voltage drops below the coil(s) ability to produce a secondary spark. Checking for spark outside the combustion chamber is one thing, sparking under compression pressure is something else. There are a few posts here on how to do the job. Under $20 and maybe a hours work.