DocLo

Hey, I'm new here. My name is Jason and I was directed here by Kyle (my99).

I bought an 88 4runner a couple of months ago (auto 3.0L V6 w/175k). About 6 weeks ago I had a problem keeping it running. I went out one day and tried to start it (had been running fine the day before) and it turned over many times before it would kick on. When I put it in drive or reverse it would die. I figured it was having trouble getting fuel and it probably needed a new fuel filter so I'd try that first. Well, I don't really know if the problem fixed itself or if it really was the filter, but it worked.

So, I go out yesterday morning and get the same problem, but this time it won't even run in park or neutral like it did last time. When I stop turning the motor I get a little putter, but that's it. It seems to be getting air and spark. Could it be the fuel pump? As a side note, it's been very moist the last couple days, I dunno if that would have any bearings on the situation.

Any help is appreciated.

rimpainter.com

It could be the fuel pump, but your best bet is to diagnose the problem (what you are trying to do) instead of replacing a bunch of parts. If you do not have the FSM and the proper tools, it might just be worth the $40 or so to have the problem identified. Then, if you agree with the diagnosis, you can tackle the replacement part if you feel comfortable.

Did the 88 3.0 have a headgasket problem like the later models?

My99

$40? However long it takes them to find the problem is what it will cost, plus whatever they "think" it needs in order to be fixed. I said perhaps fuel pump, but lets see what other 3.0 guys think it might be.

amusement

Kyle its an easy fix. Looks like the fuel pump (fuel injection) relay(s) are failing you. On my 95 there were 2 relays had to replace.
I think your 88 has only one that is located under the hood in the fuse box. If there was a second it would under the dash about where the key lock is located.

I think it was $17 or less each.

I got my '95 cheap because the people who used to own it couldn't figure out why the pickup wouldn't start or stalled at different times. I tinkered around with the idea of a failing fuel pump but, replace the relays instread. I have been running great for over 60,000 miles.

rimpainter.com

Not at an independent shop. Some will diagnose for a flat fee.

Yeah, I realize that there are additional costs to order parts, thanks for pointing that out.

DocLo

I'll be damned. I went out to tinker with it and tried to start it for ˟˟˟˟sngiggles and it fired up. About an hour ago, I was getting nothing. It doesn't stall when I put it in R or D either. Could it still be the relay?

rimpainter.com

Yes it could. Fuel pumps and relays can work intermittently before they crap out for good.

amusement

Doclo I ain't no betting man, but I would bet it is the relay.