I have a 1987 4runner with a 22re in it and for awhile I have been having problems with it. Some times the check engine light will come on for a brief moment but the it goes off instantly. but the main reason I am posting this is because sometimes when I start it when its cold it will idle really ruff then will idle just fine this doesn't happen all the time every once in a while. Also it has died on me a couple of time while I have been driving it but it never does this regularly only every once in a while. Recently I was driving home and it started to sound real ruff when I was driving it then it died. I pulled over and tried to start it again but it wouldn't so I wait 5 or so mins then it started up and I drove maybe a mile or two and it did it again. while I was driving it sounded really ruff and I had to keep it around 3000 rpms, also when I was driving it home it would cut out I would try and keep it going but it would either die or get down to a 1000rpms while I kept my foot on the gas and it would go back up but it was real ruff . also it would die when I would have to stop. finally I got to my buddys house and let it sit for 45 mins then it drove home fine. Im not sure what the problem could be. My best guess would be the fuel pump but I need some help here. I am new to this site so forgive my poor description Thanks.

 

Have you ever changed the fuel filter ??

Are you in the habit of driving with the fuel tank below 1/4 tank all the time??

The safeties and circuit opening relay can be bypassed by jumping the B+ and FP terminals on the check connector .To check the fuel pump.

Just how long has this problem been happening weeks months ??

A coil on the point of failure will cause these kind of problems when it starts to get hot.

Electrical system in good shape battery terminals clean tight not cracked ??

Cap and rotor and wires in good shape

Any of the engine control relays with a coil getting weak can drop out when they get warm.

Some things to look at.

 

I have had similar symptoms due to a faulty/malaligned TPS.

Causes a whole slew of things down the line to go haywire.

Did you ever check the CEL code?

Another thought is knock sensor, which would explain the running rough because I am pretty sure the motor would advance timing by a lot. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!

My bet, the CEL code is:
1: O2 lean or rich (often a symptom of TPS problems)
2: TPS
3: Knock sensor

Also second the electrical problems. Could be a bad connection between dist & a spark plug. Make sure you are using Denso plugs and wires. I've also experienced/fixed intermittent stutter from crappy spark connection.

 

Yeah I changed the fuel filter recently. I usaally drive around with a full tank. This has been happening for a couple months buts it's interment. The battery wiring is in good shape. The check engine light has never stayed on long enough for me to check it. Thanks for the help guys

 

You can still check CEL even after it goes away- it is stored in the ECU until you reset it

Under what conditions does it come on? Just curious if it is when you are cruising, holding throttle steady?

 

except for knock control part (ecu) - code 13, and switch signal - code 11.

 

Did you just end up replacing the Tps sensor? if so do you just take off the old one and replace it or do I need to adjust the new one?

 

you'll need to adjust the TPS whenever it is removed/replaced.

 

I have seen some vacuum leaks cause intermittent check engine light. May want to replace your hoses as they get cracked and brittle. Double check to see if they are routed correctly as well or have not slipped off.