When it's cold it takes 3 to 4 tries before it starts.

Fuel pressure kit will be here tomorrow, flushed the transmission twice after work today. Really old stinky oil in it as well. By the way this is my girlfriends, truck. Zero maintenance done on it. Really does run good now. Probably gonna swap out the fuel pressure regulator because it is the easiest thing to do. Gonna do the differential and transfer case next. All that is left is to pull the drive line and grease the u joints and carrier bearing. This truck for as old as it is super clean zero rust. Thanks for your advice. If I would have jumped the fuel pump longer, your original diagnosis would have saved me a lot of time. Thanks again. I will send you a fifth or 12 pack... your choice...lol

One more thing do these have the needle bearings in the driver side transfer case like the newer models. I just swapped my 2019 tacoma drivers side out with the new bushing. I feel a little vibration coming from that area. Could be needle bearings in the u joints but feels closer to the front end.

 

Drivers side front differential…yes it does.

 

They do, the easiest check to see if it's the needle bearing is to put it in 4wd and see if the vibration goes away.

 

Fired right up this morning.

 

Update on the truck. After doing all the preventative maintenance and cleaning the throttle body the truck has fired up the last three mornings and runs excellent. Never did a fuel pressure test or changed any parts other than filters. In conclusion I believe it was a combination of neglected maintenance and servicing the throttle body. Thanks for all of the input.

 

Well unfortunately I am back. Tacoma ran flawless for a week. 3 mornings in a row it would not start on the first try. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator. I pressure tested the fuel pump side of the fuel rail. Holds good pressure for over 10 minutes. Dead headed the pump on the return side holds good pressure for same amount of time. Should I register pressure on the return side just tapping into it? I also replaced the plugs they averaged about .070 gap. It still ran good. I guess it is a testimony for the bad ass trucks these are.

 

Did you try leaving the fuel pressure gauge connected and seeing what your pressure does when it won't start?

 

No I have not. Should this be done on the supply?

On the return side will it register any fuel pressure while running? When I pulled apart the fittings zero fuel came out. And not a single pound of pressure when I tapped into it.

 

Yes on the supply line.

There should be no pressure on the return side, it's just an open line from the regulator to the tank.

 

Ok, that is what I thought. I will have to wait until this weekend to test that. It fired right up this morning without hesitation. I am still driving it because I am confident it will not strand me. It always fires up on the second try now sometimes on the first. Friday night I will set up the gauge on the supply side over night and check it in the morning and monitor it while starting it. Thanks for your advice.

 

Update, set up fuel pressure gauge. The import gauge broke after two uses. Bought a new one. Holding strong at 42 psi. For the last 20 minutes. I tried starting it remotely after work would not start. Put the key in the ignition fired right up. Going back to the remote start again. I will find out in the morning. I have a hunch again it is the bypass module for the remote start.