I recently concluded a valve job on my '98 4runner (2.7L 3RZ-FE). I pulled the head myself, had it machined, and then replaced it myself (couldn't have done it without help from this forum <3 <3).

The engine now runs fantastically, however it now has trouble starting.

It turns over 15-20 times with nothing and then catches and runs fine. If I turn it off and try again it immediately catches. If it sits for 5 minutes it turns over about 5 times before catching.

My latest theory is that it that the fuel system is not maintaining pressure when the engine is off. This seems to match the symptoms. I have gone over every connection in my fuel system that I touched in my previous engine work and none of them are leaking.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can fix this problem? Something that would have been caused by my major engine work? Could my fuel pressure regulator have gone bad?

Thanks for the help!

and in thanks for your help, ENGINE PORN!!!!