Hello everyone!

I purchased an 87 Pickup with a 22r in it just a couple of days ago. It was running and driving when I purchased it but would have some trouble idling. It was running very poorly when cold, it would want to die down, and also was running rather rich. However once warmed up it idled and drove wonderfully. It would fire right up after being warm. But after a day of not driving it, after sitting overnight and into the morning, it no longer wanted to start. It cranks and sputters but just won't fire. I tried starting it was some starting fluid and no luck. My original guess after doing some research on hard starting and poor idling, I pinned the issue on the choke/carb. I still think that maybe be the issue, but now that it is not starting at all I have some new concerns.

I think it is probably not starting at all because the engine is flooded due to all my attempts to start it. Pumping the gas etc. I also made a recent discovery that there is gas in the oil. The dipstick is reading well over the full line, and it distinctly smells like gas. I have done research on that and people point to issues with the carb, with the float, and the needle, which could very well be the problem, but also people talk about the mechanical fuel pump malfunctioning leaking gas down into the crankcase. However, the fuel pump seems to be replaced recently, but maybe it was installed incorrectly, and the oil just needs to be drained and flushed, and it'll start just fine.

On another note, there is some pressure in the fuel tank when I release the cap, and the gas smells strange. So there may be some fuel contamination going on.

I know I just laid out a lot, I'm simply looking for maybe an order of operations here. What should be checked first, and what are some things to look for to troubleshoot these issues. I'm familiar with mechanics, but I am new to carbureted engines and pre '96 Toyota trucks.

Thank you for any help. I plan on keeping this thread updated and as detailed as possible so that when I resovle this issue it can be a great place for others to follow along.

 

The fuel pump should have a spacer block between the pump and the cylinder head. Its maybe 8-10mm thick, but without it the camshaft will quickly destroy the actuating arm on the fuel pump. You can easily see if the spacer is there without removing the pump. If you pull the outlet hose off the fuel pump and turn the engine over you can see if the pump is moving the gas. It only needs to develop 2-4 psi to work. look at the gas that comes out, if its yellow and smells like varnish it's gone bad. You'll need to drain the tank and add new gas.
If the gas had gone bad, and with new gas you get it running, you should probably run a strong cleaner through the tank to clean the lines and carb.

If the carb is flooding than I'd go after the needle and seat. If it looks like someone has already cracked it open than check the float setting. Also make sure that gas isn't getting inside the float, weighing it down. I really like the factory carb. they were remarkably durable. If it has a issue I think it's worth repairing over getting a aftermarket one. Carbs can be intimidating, but with patience, decent tools, and a manual they're not that bad.
After you do the work you'll need to change the oil, no matter what. New set of Denso plugs could be helpful, too.

Let's see what other suggest.

 

Just so you know, my 87 pickup has a 22R engine. I bought it in 88, with only 30,000 mile on it.

The carb is still factory stock. Only thing I've replaced the air filter. Haven't needed to touch it other than that, and I still turn 25 MPG with it. I do run fuel system cleaner (STP) through it once a year or so. I think Toyota has a real winner, at least in MY truck.

Good luck to you!
Pat☺

 

I agree with Jim's advice especially about getting fresh clean fuel in the tank. Don't forget the fuel filter. I prefer the OEM Aisin over aftermarket. Just be aware that some of the newer mechanical fuel pumps are producing 8-10psi, which is twice what the OEM carburetor needs. This can cause the fuel to blow past the metering rod and make the carburetor idle too high. I wound up installing an electric fuel pump and it's been working great.

If it were mine I would pull the carburetor and rebuild it. Get your fuel management under control. Then change the plugs, the catalytic converter (or remove it until you fix the carburetor), and then change the oil. But while your changing the plugs, squirt a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder. You may be running so rich that it's washed the oil from the cylinder walls, which can cause damage and low compression. If you're running that rich then your catalytic converter will become clogged. Once this happens you'll never get the carburetor to run right. It's like a banana in the tail pipe.

I'd also run a compression check and a leak down check while you're changing the plugs.

PS I have a few good pdf files on the Aisin and setting up carburetors