Clogged Fuel filter?

Ok, I wrote about my 4 runner once before not running and having various problems. We got it going agin... New battery terminals, 2 new relays/fuses, a rebuit starter. Ok, It runs now. It still has some trouble starting.

When you turn the key it tries to start and does, but VERY weakly. If you step on the gas a bit it perks right up no problems. I am thinking maybe the fuel filter is clogged or the fuel pump is going bad... Anyone else think this could be an issue? And if it is, is there anyway to clean the filter without dropping the tank and replacing it? I'd REALLY like to try that before I drop the gas tank! :) What do you think?

What year, model, engine are we talking about?

I guess you have a 1990 year model.

Why don't you just replace the fuel filter. I'm not sure where it's located on your model, but try that first. Also replace the air filter too if you can.

I'm kind of dealing with the same problem but I've already done all this.

Cheers,
Ledio

It's a 1990 SR5 V6. The engine was rebuilt aprx 14000 miles ago. I am under the impression that the fuel filter is IN the gas tank... I REALLY don't want to drop the tank to di something if it's not needed... I gotta work man! :) Someones gotta pay for my dirty little car habit... :)

I don't think it could be a filter since flow would be restricted and would run better at low rpm where it stood a chance of getting enough fuel. Running better at higher rpms kind of rules out the fuel filter. If it is a fuel problem, it is something else - pressure regulator, clogged injectors, bad pump.

I think you should make an attempt to get any codes from the computer to see if it has registered any out of spec signals.

If none, get a shop to scope your ignition. Also, find out if your fuel pressure and injector output is adequate. One cheap thing to try is run some Chevron fuel additive in a tank of gas - sometimes that makes a big difference if your injectors are partially plugged up.

I really doubted that the fuel filter is inside the fuel tank. Fuel filter is like the air filter. It has to be replaced every once in a while. I change mine every 30K miles, and you can do that yourself if you don't mind the gasoline all over you. :) Just go to a Toyota dealer or any car parts shop and they should have them.

Cheers,
Ledio

Good to know!! About the fuel filter location... :)

Yall are so helpful! :) Thank you for the suggestions, off to try some of them!! :) Pepboys is gonna smile when they see me pulling up... :)

Don't assume that the fuel filter is going to fix your problem. Like Brian said it may be something else. Let them run a computer test on your engine.

Cheers,
Ledio

Fuel filters don't cost a lot of money, and if it's been a long time, change it anyway. It should be underneath the passenger side alongside the frame rail.

Nahhh... We're gonna add some fuel additive first, if the doesn't work, in order until we fix the problem.
1) have the run a diagnostic on the ignition and see if any thing out of the ordinary pops up.
2) have the pressure and injector output checked
3) change air and fuel filters
4) do a funky rain dance and hope that fixes it right up! :P

Again Pepboys is gonna smile... I can already hear them ringing up the total for the "clueless blonde" in the 4runner... Maybe I can get the hubby to take it over! :)