Hi, I have a 1990 Pickup, 22re, 4x4, 90k miles. About a month ago, my truck began to sputter a lot more frequently and harsher. Typically while pressing somewhat heavy on the pedal (usually uphill). It has died about four times during the month but started right back up every time. Then a couple days ago, my truck sputtered out while driving and would not start up.
It originally seemed like the engine wasn't getting fuel, maybe filter or pump? But when trying to start it, I notice the strong smell of gas outside of the truck.
The truck turns over fine, I put a new battery in a week before. The cables, coil, and plugs were replace a year and a half ago with the timing chain. I should also note that my truck has been rarely and lightly sputtering for a long time, I believe it's because I am running no cat.
I am stumped as to what it could be. I searched but could not find a problem that sounded like mine. All ideas/links are appreciated.
Thanks,
Jake

 

Sounds like injectors might be failing. Mine did the same and I replaced them. Expensive but worth the trouble.

 

So how long after it stalls out does it take to start again?? It smells like it could be flooding. Pull the plugs and take a whiff. Post a pic of the plug. Is your check engine light on???

 

The other times it has died, it has started up with one or two cranks after I stopped. I should also note that before all of this when I would try to start it in the cold mornings I usually had to turn the key a couple times, sometimes for minutes before it would start. No check engine light. I'll pull the plugs now, and try to get some pics up ASAP.

 

I bet its the fuel filter...

 

Here are the pics of the plugs. It smelt like gas, but the smell was not too strong.

 

Sorry about the pics being so large and out of focus, my camera isn't the nices and I didn't mean for them to be so large either.

&When replacing the fuel filter, is it possible to just clean it? Or do I have to replace the whole unit? I understand Toyota calls them "lifetime" filters.

 

The fuel filter can not be cleaned. It needs to be changed. You can buy a cheap one from auto zone for about 20 bucks but if I were you I would buy an OEM one so that you don't have to worry about it again.

 

I have a 1995 4runner v6 and doing about the same thing. when is warm out side like 50degrees and up you pull up somewhere and go in come back out 20mins later you get a strong gas smell and will not idle will shut off unless you give it alot of gas. Just replaced the fuel filter and plugs and it was doing it before i did the work. any suggestion on what it could be. or where to look and find the problem.