I’ve searched but cannot find an answer so I’ll ask the pros. I have a 1999 4Runner, 3.4/5 speed/4wd, about 230k miles. I was driving today and I started hearing valve clatter and noticed smoke when I took off from a stop. I pulled in to a parking lot and it wasn’t doing it. I started to take off and it died like I stalled it on the clutch. Started back up and was having to give it more gas than normal to take off. Started driving and the smoke became heavy and I could hear the valves again. I pulled over again and the smoke was there but no noise. Heavy smoke also. I shut it off, checked fluids. Everything was ok and there was no milk shake in the radiator or oil. Tried to start it up and it wouldn’t.
I pulled the top cover and checked the timing belt. Everything as should be. Put a scanner on it and it showed the cam sensor bad. Changed it, no start. Re-scan, no codes. I am for sure getting spark. Doesn’t seem like I am getting fuel and cannot find a Schrader valve to check it. All fuses check good. I sprayed starting fluid and still nothing. I’m stumped.
Please help my baby!!!

 

I guess i should add that the battery was dead this morning after being fully charged last night. Still baffled.

 

There is no schrader valve for checking fuel pressures on these trucks. You have to split the line and tie a guage in parallel.

The fact that you were hearing valve clatter, or a similar noise, says you might have deeper problems. Have you checked compression?

 

I haven't checked compression yet. I cant understand why it doesn't even try to start though. Surely I didn't burn all 6 pistons at once if there are internal problems. And the motor spins freely.

 

I second the compression test, they are non interference motors as I'm sure you know that. Maybe take the valve cover gasket off make sure the value train looks ok?

 

This is a shot in the dark but could it be possible that something caused it to lean out or richen? ECU perhaps?

 

Highly doubt it look at all the dudes boasting the living hell out their 5VZ, you need to get into the motor and look around doesn't sound good man.

 

Internals don't explain why it's not even trying to fire.

 

I can name several reasons good luck!

 

Sounds like deeper problems isn't my first time with sick 5VZ! I had a knock sensor die no CEL one day it would crank no fire smoke like a bad word! Number 6 cylinder gone no pressure at all.

 

Haven't had much time to work on it but I finally got around to doing a compression test. Good compression across all cylinders. Changed plugs and wires while I had them out. Motor is in time. Got spark, got fuel (although I have not checked the fuel pressure, I opened the fuel lines and there is definite fuel) and the ECU is not giving any codes. I'm out of ideas.