Hey all,
So I have a '94 4runner SR5 with a 3vze that is acting up. It first started a few months ago, when I ran out of gas for the first time. Since then, it has periodically bogged down and almost stalled when gas is applied from a complete stop. When it does this, it also will not drop in RPMs when maintaining speed, eg. it will stay at 4000 RPMs when driving 55-65 mph rather than 2500-3000 RPMs like it should. I thought it may have something to do with the fuel filter, so I replaced it. The only thing that seems to take care of it is adding some type of fuel cleaner or gas treatment. If I add treatment when I fill up, it usually runs fine. I did not add any the last time I filled up because I just replaced the fuel filter and wanted to see if it solved the problem. It did not. If anybody has run into a similar problem or has any ideas, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

fuel filter would have been my first guess as well. It could also be an injector issue. Running out of gas could have sucked a lot of nasty stuff from the tank into the fuel system. Hopefully the filter would have caught it. But if the filter failed you might have clogged injectors as well.

 

Is there something out there that somebody would recommend to try to clean that stuff out? Or would my best bet just take it to a shop and get them cleaned up?

 

STOP. It sounds a LOT like a hole in your intake tubing between the throttle body & VAFM. Try that first. Use a UNLIT (!) MAPP or Propane torch to check for a leak with the engine idling (it will idle up where you have any leaks). Run it all around the intake tube and any vacuum hoses for good measure.

If that is not it, I'd guess you might possibly have an injector clogged. Does it lope a lot at idle? Try unpluggin the spark plugs one at a time and see if one or more of them don't make any change in the idle. (of course, that could be an electrical issue as well). Good luck & let us know what you find out.