Well, after 171k in my beloved 4Runner, it stranded me for the first time last night. Flat out died while I was driving down a surface street. Still had electrical, which was my first theory because it had been raining a lot and I've got my battery kinda jury rigged in at the moment (needed one with reversed posts). It still cranked fine though, just wouldn't catch. Fortunately, a guy came along who was kind enough to not only help me, but also tow me back to my place. We figured it was the fuel delivery, since it would turn over with starter fluid and then die from lack of fuel. Since the fuel filter is new, I've concluded it's the fuel pump; is this the most likely problem, or is there another candidate?

If I wasn't driving to Lubbock today for the long weekend I'd be fixing it myself, but I don't have the time and I need my truck back pronto. So, it's in the shop. Haven't taken it to this mechanic before, but they have a shop right outside my work, and can give me a ride into base. They also offer a 1 year / 12k warranty on parts and labor, which inspires some confidence in me. But I want to make sure there's not something easier that may be wrong with it before I shell out for this thing. Also, can anybody throw out a ballpark figure of what they would expect this to cost? Thanks Yotabros.

 

Update: Turns out it's not the fuel pump, but rather a short in the engine wiring harness that is blowing the fuse that controls the fuel system. Good thing I didn't try to replace it myself, I guess. I always forget about the electrical stuff.

 

good to hear i suppose. so you back up and running? mind asking how much it set you back? im coming up on 170k miles and would like to plan for any forseeable bumps.

 

Ok, they finally found the cause of the problem. Apparently something ripped the O2 sensor out, but this truck has never been off-road (it's 4x2). My guess is that when my ujoint lost a chunk it must have shredded the harness and left it loose. In any case, $362.13 out the door. Ouch.