1992 4runner: Gas smell and delay in starting

[Brian C]

Hello,
I am looking to get some info about what might be the cause behind my 92 taking longer to turn over and start. I have to really hold the gas down or pump it before the engine will turn over. I have replaced the fuel filter. There is a gas smell also and I do not notice any leaking on the exterior or under the hood. Is this a sign of the starter going out ... fuel injectors being clogged (which I put injector cleaner in) ... something else that would make it harder to start and leave a gas smell. Thanks for any responses.

[Brian R.]

What happens if you keep your foot off the accelerator when you crank?

[Brian C]

just tried that and it starts with no delay. I also pushed in the accelerator once before starting and it started with a slight delay. Is something getting flooded, hence the gas smell I noticed the past 2 days?

[corbinwaterski]

My understanding of fuel injection is that there is NO NEED to pump the gas. Just a thought.

[Brian C]

That makes sense and definitely easy to correct for changing the start. With having the vechile over 2.5 years I have always started it that way and the smell of gas just started. Any thoughts on why this would begin to start?

[Brian R.]

Pushing on the accelerator was useful for setting the choke on carburetors. Never touch the gas pedal when starting a FI engine.

Probably you just became more agressive recently with pushing on the gas pedal when you were starting the truck.

[Brian C]

Definitely some type of gas leak.
When the engine is warm and I am not touching the accelerator, it still is taking some time to turn over. Thoughts on that?

[Brian R.]

Impossible to diagnose with that information. What makes you say it is definitely a gas leak? Just the smell?

[Brian C]

Yes the smell is the main thing. I do not see anything leaking but there is a strong enough gas leak that I keep the sunroof open while driving.

[Brian R.]

Too many places to check for me to list. If you want to start, just go to the injectors and work your way backward and see if you feel anything wet with the ignition key on (engine off). If you can't find it, bring it to a mechanic you trust.

[snowman4evr]

Just a thought but you might want to check the charcoal canister, and make sure it isnt pluged up or a vacum line loose. This could cause the smell with no sign of a leak.

[Brian C]

So where is what I found out, from the mechanic. Inbetween the firewall and the engine is a damper for the fuel line. It had a crack in it and was leaking, causing the starting issues and of course the gas smell. He knew what the problem was before I got there. Said its common on 4runners and this part seems to be specific to Toyota's. There you have it. Thanks to those who provided some ideas and insight.

[Brian R.]

You're welcome

[aleskandaria]

How much did your repair to the damper cost Brian C? I am having the exact same problems with my 1992 4Runner.

[4Wheel]

The fuel damper for a 92 V6 is $120.75 PDX
It is a common failure if the travel of the damper becomes unrestricted it will travel far enough to actually block the fuel passage. but most common failure is "gas smell" (leaking).
As far as pumping the gas before turning over a fuel injected motor it wont do anything. Carburated engines another story the choke gets set and the accelerator pump gives a shot of fuel into the venturi.

Labor for that part may be up there to if they removed the upper intake plenum.

BTW it is located on the end of passenger side fuel rail rear of the motor(under the intake plenum), it should have a plastic cover on the end. It is the main fuel line "banjo" fitting also. So just follow the fuel delivery hose to the rail, that's it!