Ill start off by saying I'm an automotive noob! I kinda bought the 4runner to learn and so far its taught me alot. But the problem I'm having is when I try to start it up (1990 V6 3vZe) the motor just turns and turns and turns and finally after 5 or 6 tries it will try to start but its like you have to keep the key turned cause the starter has to help the engine get going before it can run on its own. Also the engine runs pretty rough, slight knock/ping but I understand thats pretty normal with this engine. Im thinking it could be a timing issue. Any suggestions?

 

A slight knock/ping is not normal for this engine. Could be slightly outta time.....
Does your truck have an easier time starting in cold weather, or warm weather?

 

So whens the last tune up been done? Sounds like it might be time for new plugs,wires cap, rotor, oil change and check for vac leaks

Check the timing too

 

I bought this about 6 months ago, with a bad tranny. Did oil change, cap, wires, rotor, and re ran all the vacuum lines according to the diagram for the 3vze. Finally got the fixed tranny back in this weekend and now im just trying to get it to run a little better. It does have old gas in it and i found out that If i jumper it off another car it will fire right up first try. So Im kinda thinking the battery is shot?

 

Does it turn over slow? Running rough could be tons of things. Jump timing? Wrong firing order? Check your dist and wires MAKE SURE THEY ARE RIGHT. Compression?

 

Old gas could make it crappy run but not the knocking and pinging... thats prolly a timing prob or somethins loose....

 

check that the fuel pump is running when you're cranking the engine. if not, there may be an issue with the Circuit Opening Relay or wiring.
You could put a jumper in the diagnostic plug between the FP and B+ terminals to manually activate the pump and see if it starts more easily.

 

it doesn't turn over slow and the fuel pump is working. Im just going to have to check the timing with a light, do you have to remove the radiator to adjust the timing with the distributor, or can you just skillfully remove the timing cover with the radiator in place?

 

I'd try dumping a can of dry gas and octane booster in just to be safe. low octane fuel can cause predetonation which does make a knocking pinging sound. better to be safe than sorry. plus if its been sitting around for a while so condensation could build up in the gastank. I'm not saying that it is your problem though.

 

I dumped 3/4 can of seafoam in so hopefully that will rid the possible moisture.

 

To adjst timing with the distributor all you do is losen the bolt that holds it in place on the head and move it up and down it my run alil better. The timing should be 0 or advanced alil more depending. I usually go buy sound. How much better does it run when you advance it. You can use a timing light but i go buy noise if you can thats good you should if not yea.... but um timing cover yea rad and hose gotta come off and out. You don't need to mess with the cover at all. When was the last time a belt was done? Maintence should be recored on the cover with a sticker. If adjs the timing buy distributor does not help then you may have a deeper issue. You may need a new belt. It could have jump timing which usually does not happen in belts rather they break. But could jsut need a belt. (NOT FUN TO CHANGE) try getting the valves adjs they may need it and will improve your truck alil bit.