My 1994 V6 2wd 3VZE - when I start it after several hours, it takes around 3 seconds of cranking. I can immediately turn it off and restart instantly. After driving a bit when I park it I can smell gas but can't see any on the floor. Here's a pic of the area that seems to smell the strongest. I have no idea what the can shaped device is but it has two hoses and it is marked "PURGE" on one side and "TO TANK" on the other. Could this be the source ? What is it ? Seems odd that it smells strongly but no gas is anywhere to be found.

Passenger Side, close to firewall

 

The can shaped device is your evaporative canister. http://web.archive.org/web/201109110...17evaporat.pdf It adsorbs fuel vapors from the tank into activated charcoal, which is then later sucked into the engine through the (wait for it ... ) purge line.

You have two (likely) possibilities. The most likely is your purge line is not pulling vacuum (disconnected? clogged?). On the 3vze the line has the TVV between the canister and the throttle body, but it looks like you have a 22re. If the fumes aren't getting sucked out by the engine, they'll "ooze" out of the canister and you'll smell the fumes.

The second possibility is a bad Fuel Pressure Damper, but I believe that's only a 3VZE thing.

 

Link for the V6 if you need it.

http://htftp.offroadsz.com/marinhake...76evaporat.pdf

 

I'm sure it's a 3VZ-E - Underneath the hood pics - Right now I cant do much, eye problems but thanks for the info

Driver Side

Passenger Side

 

The fuel pressure damper is a common area of leaks in trucks of this (our) vintage.

It's at the aft end of the right side fuel rail. Covered by the plenum, but you can get your hand in there. Once you find the FPD, just start the truck, let it run for a few seconds, then stick a brown paper towel under the FPD. (Brown? Gasoline is so clear that I find it easier to see on cheap brown paper towels than the fancy white ones. Just use what you have.)

You can't repair the FPD (there's a screw in the back, but its only purpose is as a go/no-go fuel pressure indicator. Don't tighten, loosen, or worry if it's missing entirely.) About $65 at RockAuto.

 

Yes that was the cause, thanks a bunch

 

Wow guys thanks a million for this thread. An 89 4runner just fell into my lap and this is the first thing I have to deal with. Took Scopes advice and whoa, its leaking bad. I ordered the part from Toyota, hopefully it arrives soon.

You know what’s funny, I have the OEM maint. Manual and cant find any mention of replacement or repair. It’s listed in a diagram in the EFI section(if I remember correctly), but nothing about testing it or replacing it that I can find and I looked through all sections that are remotely related. Kinda surprising to me given the potential serious outcome of it leaking.