spoonist

I recently picked up a 1990 4runner and it runs great, but getting it to that point is a real pain. It generally takes about 2-3 minutes of turning the key/giving it gas to get it to actually run, at which point it will sputter and chug and pour black sooty smoke out of the exhaust. Once I give it a little more gas, it purrs like a kitten, but getting there is really annoying.

What makes it even better is that if it runs for 30 seconds or 2 hours and I shut it off, it still has the same problem when I try to start it back up again.

There have been 2/3 exceptions to this problem, a couple of times I've gone out to start it and it just fires up right away. This is always after some length of time (It's not my DD just yet), and maybe it's just coincidence, but I always notice that the fuel gauge has crept up to the max, even when there's only a 1/4 tank. This seems to happen when it's a little bit warm out, it happens on my 92 p/u too (the fuel gauge thing).

The PO had taken it to the dealer to see what was wrong, but, in their words "it seems fine for this age of vehicle." Now I know that's BS, but they didn't.

I've searched and read almost every starting issue thread I can find here but none of them seem to have the same issue. Most people's problems seem to be based on engine temperature (cold start/warm start). It also seems like they can't get it started period. Mine happens regardless of engine temperature and it will eventually get started.

So I humble myself before the geniuses of the forum and ask for any suggestions that can get me out of this conundrum.

Thanks!

BMcEL

How many miles on your rig? I'm thinking either a large vacuum leak or plugged injector(s).

BMcEL

And did you check for codes?

spoonist

The runner has 351000 kms, 218000 miles give or take. Haven't checked for codes, hadn't occured to me because the engine light hasn't been on. I'll have to check and report back.

biosys

Check your engine temp sensor for the computer, it is a major player if it is out of range you could have 1 of 2 problems.
1. sensor thinks it is colder outside then it is and dump more fuel at start up, making it run rich.
2. sensor thinks it is hotter out then leaning the fuel out and starving the system.

Also have you checked the timing, fuel pressure.
Try running some fuel injector cleaner through the system.