I have an ongoing problem. I have a '87 4Runner---bought it new. The problem that I am having is it will start (after the 3rd try) but then after about a mile or two of driving, it starts to miss and sputter. The more I drive, trying to work the problem out like maybe water in my gas, the worse it gets---sputtering and backfiring. Today I had to limp to work with my flashers on, going 10mph. It used to happen every other month or so. I would let it sit, and it would run OK for a while. Now it's all the time. My guess is the fuel pump may be shot. Any other guesses? TIA.

 

Try replacing the fuel filter, it sounds like it might be plugged, try that first, its alot cheaper than a fuel pump.

 

I remember reading on here somewhere that if you smack the gas tank a couple times with say a 2x4, it should make the fuel pump temporarily work. I'll try and dig up a link for ya.

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116.../#post51268509
there you go