first off truck stats
87 4runner 22RE/auto, new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, fuel filter, new starter, and lucas fuel treatment added

this problem started within the past week, the truck starts up fine in the morning (7:00 am) and gets parked at school around 7:30-7:45 am. When i come out for lunch (11:00 am) and try to start it, it cranks and cranks, 2nd try it almost starts but does not, 3rd attempt it cranks and then stutters its way to a rough idle (sounds like a miss) but clears up within about 15 seconds and runs like a top. Then after work at around 5:00 pm most days i go to start it and it sputters to an idle but not like the 11:00 start. There is no problem while driving it, runs like a champ, no missing or rough running, this problem is only at start-up

on top of that my gas gauge doesn't work, but it does have a full tank

hopefully this makes sense to someone?

 

sounds like maybe excess gas is getting into the motor when parked? Mine did the same thing when the carb would ice and I would park it like that.

 

Check your coldstart valve?

 

where and how do i check this?

 

4banginrunner, I misread your description. Thought you indicated you were having problems starting when cold, not hot. Sorry. If you are having problems starting when the engine is already warm, you might look at testing/replacing your ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor. Mine is located on the intake manifold on the front side. Believe it is a brass sensor with a green base standing vertically.

 

ok to simplify the explaination of my problem:

this is not all the time, but very frequent starting problem, it will crank and crank for about 15 seconds then chokes its way to a start, sounds like it isnt getting fuel at startup. it runs fine after start up, no problems.

could this be the pressure regulator? cold start inj.?