hello!
thanks for letting me join and ask a question about my 1992 V-6 extracab. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
sometimes the truck doesn't want to start in the mornings. the engine turns over fine, but it seems like no fuel is getting to the cylinders, because it doesn't catch. so i crank it, let it sit for a 10-count, and then repeat til she catches fire. once it starts, she runs great (as usual). so i'm thinking it's the fuel filter, but would like to hear some other ideas before i start working on her.

some background: i've had this truck for the last 30k of its 160k miles, and have no idea if/when the fuel filter was ever changed. it's been about 15k miles since i had a boat-load of work done while getting the head gasket recall work done. so i got a complete valve job done, and also had the timing belt, drive belts, water pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, crank seal, spark plugs done. since then i've religiously changed the oil & filter every 3k, and replaced the air filter every 9k.

please advise if fuel filter seems to be the right thing, and also what other things (pcv? or ??) i should do while i'm at it.
thanks!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Not sure if the V6 fuel pump is set up like the 22RE, but if it is, have a look at this. I the jumper helps, then likely its not the fuel filter.

Welcome aboard!
I'd replace the fuel filter, especially you don't know when it was replaced. They're really easy on the v6 compared to the 4cyl. A Toyota fuel filter will run you around $26.00 or so dollars! Also pull a plug and see what they look like, it has been 15k since your service!
I hope you get as many miles out of your 3.0 as I did mine!
Good Luck! Let us know how things work out for you! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Do those V6's have cold start injectors? These engines should start right away... mine does



Josh

Yes, and that would be my guess - the prolonged cranking may be building up fuel pressure to the cold start injector to finally get it started. The fuel filter *may* need to be or should be changed anyway (here's an article to help you with it), but it would most likely create regular pressure problems, not just after sitting for a while.

thanks for the good info!! i am going with the fuel filter first and hope that solves it, b/c the cold injector sounds expen$ive. fwiw, it pays to call around:
dealer #1 wanted $49.33,
dealer #2 wanted $32.82,
pepboys [purolator] wanted $25.
i am on my way to dealer2 and will swap it out today. thanks again for the help and the write-up!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
my darn haynes manual doesn't even show the location of the fuel filter <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

oh yeah, should i be worried about spark plugs after only 15k? i've always thought they are good for 30k unless problems (mileage, misfire, etc) indicated otherwise..?
thanks again,
/natebear

I would go with the Toy filter! www.1sttoyotaparts.com is $8.00 + 10% shipping, www.toyotaoemparts.com, or www.toyotapartsstore.com. I think I paid $26.00 for mine. Your fuelfilter is on the frame, passenger side, above the wheelwell, you'll see it!
Just pull a spark plug and visually inspect it, that's all!
A common sign that the coldstart inj. is going bad is that once it starts it will idle high, usually 1500+ rpm's!
Good Luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

thanks for all the help! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
update: had huge problems getting the fuel filter off. the rear line (from tank to filter) was easy, but the front line (from filter to engine) was siezed. so i ended up removing the front line and filter as one piece. but the sucker was seized. couldn't get it to separate at all. so i now have a new front line to go with the new fuel filter.
it's been a month, but i am still having starting issues, which seem to get worse as time passes...new post later today after i gather my thoughts.