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4Runner is sputtering/jerks

Discussion in '1st Gen 4Runners (1984-1989)' started by Tyler2214, Mar 24, 2016.

  1. Mar 24, 2016 at 4:56 PM
    #1
    Tyler2214

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    Tyler2214 [OP] New Member

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    I have a 1986 4Runner. When I go to accelerate it just sputters and jerks as well as if I'm driving down the street it does the same. Checked fuel pressure and everything is good with that. Any ideas of what it could be?

    image.jpg
     
    Tyler2214, Mar 24, 2016
    #1
  2. Mar 30, 2016 at 9:34 AM
    #2
    wnelax04sr5

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    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    so assuming the fuel pump is good, it could be an injector issue, or ignition based
     
    wnelax04sr5, Mar 30, 2016
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  3. Jan 14, 2017 at 4:39 PM
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    TN_TRAIL

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    TN_TRAIL New Member

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    oh the list....!
    Based on the description, could be lots of things. Does it do it when the engine is cold, or after a few minutes? Have you ruled out timing? How fresh is the distributor/ rotor, plugs/wires/ etc.? (are they OEM?) Also, check the output from the O2 sensor(s) as well. In some ECU configurations, no, or low output from from the O2 sensors puts the unit in a "limp" mode, that can perform just like you describe.
     
    TN_TRAIL, Jan 14, 2017
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  4. Jan 2, 2019 at 11:44 AM
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    Mannyac123

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    Mannyac123 New Member

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    I know this is an older thread, but thought I'd see if anyone had any fresh ideas or solutions. My 86 4runner runs perfectly with a full tank. when the gas gauge drops to half a tank, it sputters and has a tough time pulling itself. When I fill the tank, problem disappears. It's got a new fuel pump. Mechanic says the fuel sample showed dirty gas and recommended that I let the tank run to empty. I've filled up probably three or four times since then, but always with half a tank remaining. Any thoughts?
     
    Mannyac123, Jan 2, 2019
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  5. Jan 2, 2019 at 12:19 PM
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    Dillusion

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    Dillusion Resident A**h***

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    I'd dump all the gas in the tank and try.
     
    Dillusion, Jan 2, 2019
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  6. Jan 20, 2019 at 7:14 PM
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    turbosteven

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    turbosteven New Member

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    Check to see if you have any moister in the distributor. Have you replaced the large O-ring for it?
     
    turbosteven, Jan 20, 2019
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  7. Jan 22, 2019 at 6:28 AM
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    Mannyac123

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    Mannyac123 New Member

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    dumped gas and checked everything my dumbass is capable of checking; it's off to the shop next week. found a mechanic in houston who works primarily on old toyotas and hondas who seems confident he can get it squared away. it's the last real glitch before this thing is ready for extended road trippin...thanks for the replies!
     
    Mannyac123, Jan 22, 2019
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  8. Jan 31, 2019 at 4:51 AM
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    87ret4runner

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    87ret4runner New Member

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    Any resolution yet?
     
    87ret4runner, Jan 31, 2019
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  9. Jan 31, 2019 at 6:32 AM
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    Mannyac123

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    Mannyac123 New Member

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    apparently the culprit was a rusty, debris filled fuel tank. the truck is with the mechanic still, so who knows, but fingers crossed. Stay tuned
     
    Mannyac123, Jan 31, 2019
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  10. Feb 2, 2019 at 7:47 PM
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    BestGen

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    BestGen Member #57

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    33"KM2s, 4.88s, Spartan Locker, TG rear bumper, AllPro Kickout sliders, 4Crawler 1.5" BJS, OME 2" Dakar springs.
    Change the fuel filter while you're at it. If the tank is full of crap then the filter probably is too. There's an access panel in the front
    passenger wheelwell. :thumbsup:
     
    BestGen, Feb 2, 2019
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  11. Feb 13, 2019 at 5:35 PM
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    Mannyac123

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    Mannyac123 New Member

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    problem solved! the sputtering at half a tank (like clockwork) was due to rust and corrision in the fuel tank. a new tank, fuel filter and efi cleaning made a world of difference; running strong and healthy now. i have no idea how universal this issue is or isn't, but hopefully this thread will be of help to someone out there
     
    Mannyac123, Feb 13, 2019
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    HoBoDanny likes this.
  12. Feb 13, 2019 at 5:57 PM
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    HoBoDanny

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    HoBoDanny Dude...

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    Glad you got it fixed. For you or anyone in the future I’ve used Red-Kote in motorcycle tanks to prevent future corrosion after cleaning the tanks out. It can be used in any fuel tank and seals the metal inside the tank from corroding.
     
    HoBoDanny, Feb 13, 2019
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    Mannyac123[QUOTED] likes this.
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