Rough Startup on 3VZE

Hey, this is my first time posting here outside of intro channel. Wanted to see if anyone had any input on first steps regarding a long startup or if I'm concerned about something normal to 3VZE's.

Basically it has to crank for about 5-10 seconds before starting and only fires up once I give it a bit of gas. Wouldn't normally think it's an issue but once it starts, it keeps wanting to die out. Once firing up, I can keep the rpm's around 500 to 1k manually for about 30 seconds and after that it runs and idles perfectly fine for the rest of the drive.

My only thoughts are that this could either be related to a vacuum line being clogged or leaking related to fuel pressure regulators or startup or the inline fuel filter. I have a video of the startup if that helps, and attached is a pic of the fuel filter, is it old enough to be a candidate for replacement?

Any input is helpful, thanks.

 

my question is how long have you had the 4Runner? because no long start up like that is not normal that fuel filter looks to be OEM from day one and I would change it no matter what Just make sure before you do (if you do it yourself) a few days to a week ahead of time spray the threads on the fittings with good penetrating oil like FreeAll or equivalent, Then Use a 'fitting Wrench" Not adjustable wrench by any means! So you will need 2 wrenches one for the fuel filter it self and a fitting wrench.
Next I would clean the Mass air sensor with electrical contact cleaner and Do Not touch the little wire bulb with anything just spray it clean.

Make sure you are Not "pumping the gas pedal before start up <----- You know that already I know I know but I have dealt with those who do it out of habit.

Then once you have it running you can check for vacuum leaks by getting a can of Carburetor cleaner (Yes I know you don't have a Carburetor) with it idling spray a small amount around each vacuum connection and listen for change in the engine sound or drop in Rpms.
Theses 3 thing are good easy starting point I would clean the mass air flow sensor first then check for vacuum leaks and next change that filter anyways.

 

I have actually had the 4runner for exactly 1 week, previous owner said it had that issue an they had'nt gotten to dealing with it as it was listed as a project car. Going to go for changing out the filter first as it is a pretty inexpensive part for oem; and don't worry I will absolutely be using appropriate tools, for anyone else reading this it isn't ever worth it for the chance of bungling the threads or the lines themselves. Makes the job that much more expensive either immediately or in the near future.
Otherwise I am pretty surprised that it has no issues running if there are vacuum leaks, I will be testing for that and mass air at the same time anyways.

 

I had the same year 4Runner once for a very long time it was fantastic but Rust caught up with it (Upstate NY winters)