Any Toyota 4 Runner experts

[PAUL G]

Need help! 1993 4 runner v6, was running fine started losing power, sluggish, it will start but takes to long almost kills battery. Lacking power. If you can help please call anytime. Any suggestions?
Paul 414-899-9262

[blk9660]

I would start w/a fuel filter, hope for the best. Kinda sounds like what happened to a 4runner I had a few years back.

[nismodave]

Reverend Cooper is very familiar with Toyotas. Send him a PM.

[sloLs1]

how mamy miles are on it?? besides the simple things like tune up and fuel filter/fuel pressure... they are known for blown head gaskets. does it missfire? does it have a check engine light?

otherwise clean the mass airflow... thats a start if all the above is ok.

[PAUL G]

Justed talked to someone at advanced auto he said,,mas sensor ,cold start injector??

[PAUL G]

No check engine light, 156k ,does misfire sometimes

[blk9660]

They are known for head gaskets..... and there are recalls on them. 1 of 2 'runners that I had, sucked a gasket, heard about the recall and Toyota did a top end rebuild for me @ 231,000 miles for nothing!!!!!!! :headbangI had $150 in the truck!!!!!!


I would still look at the fuel filter first. If your not getting fuel/fuel pressure up to the motor, nothing is gonna work.

I just got a gift card for Autozone, cant wait to go in and get plug wires for my LS powered, '96 Camaro!!! If you catch my drift..........

[88Nightmare]

get a coolant system pressure tester and check your head gasket, if they are known for blowing head gaskets. Otherwise, try doing a compression check and make sure all the cylinders psi readings are all relatively close.

as said already, do a simple tune up. Cap/rotor/plugs/wires/fuel filter can make a surprising difference.

it can also be a dying fuel pump.


Start with the cheap/free stuff first.

[PAUL G]

Am getting fuel,pressure

[blk9660]

Still screamin FUEL FILTER :D

[PAUL G]

Will do that tomarrow after work

[sloLs1]

pull atleast one spark plug out and check it... also run the truck and use a spray bottle with water in it and mist down the sprak plug wires/distributer cap... see if it starts missing real bad. thatll give you a better idea of how your tune up is.... but if its missing randomly then id suspect plug wires before plugs.

[PAUL G]

just got finished changing distr. cap, rotor, wires, plugs, and fuel filter. and still will not start. going in to thaw out i'm done for the night!

[Reverend Cooper]

a coolant temp sensor can cause this and not a cel.iirc that has a vane style air meter its not gonna get dirty,but can get leaves and debris stuck in it so at least check it. a cold start time and injector can also cause this but you should be able to get it started it will take alot of cranking to do so then when started it runs like aids for a bit till it warms up enough.
when it cranks does it crank normal? do you have fuel and spark for sure.
if the answer to the above is yes,my bet is the temp sensor or cold start timer and injector.

[sloLs1]

hmm so it went from running rough everyonce and awhile to not starting now?!? we need the whole story lol

[blk9660]

Dont know how to spell bleed, (spent a little to long at the dyno rack) but here it goes........ hit the bleeder up on the rail. Leave the key on, get out and hold the needle till it bleeds out

[Reverend Cooper]

the other commomn thing if it has no spark is a ignitor.

[PAUL G]

Reverend cooper, cold start timer, did it back in business, thanks to all for help

[Reverend Cooper]

you are welcome