Fuel line clogs after the filter.

[Ecuadorpathy04]

Lots around about fuel pump and filter. HEre is my problem. aI noticed a strange idle (270km, thought maybe a timing issue!) then it sat for a week, then cranked to no start this morning. Replaced starter and battery last Q. Cranked hard. Checked pump and filter by disconnecting after filter to find the flow strong.  OK, after the filter dang! 

 

What's next in troubleshooting? 

 

I don't have a users manual or service manual in case someone want to offer a PDF. I'd be grateful. 

 

 I'm in Ecuador and have a shade tree mechanic heading this way, but thought I'd ask before.

Edited April 4, 2023 by Ecuadorpathy04

[Slartibartfast]

Service manuals for the US models are here, hopefully the same/similar equipment to what you're working with. 

 

I doubt the line is clogged. Injectors clog, but it would have to be all six. More likely there's an electrical problem, or the computer isn't getting the data it needs to know when to fire them. Does it run on starting fluid? Any trouble codes?

 

Your description of running like the timing is off before not running at all has me thinking a crank sensor might've gone. Hopefully it's not the valve timing. Haven't heard of a VQ doing that, though again I'm assuming yours has the same engine as the US model of that year. 

[Ecuadorpathy04]

Made in Japan as I read the plaques. No error codes, off a autophix 3210. Did I buy some POS diagnostics? I haven't tested the starter fluid, I don't have a bottle on the farm. A tomorrow solution. 

It was idling a bit off earlier in the week but not bad, and with 270,000 Km and not liking low revs I knows timing belt would be a good idea. I will check crank sensor ( after a youtube search as-> how to). VQ what dat? Would a value timing issue, offer a crank no start, IDK? maybe I lower my mechanic status level. However, please and thank you for the education. 

 

I think you are correct in an electrical situation here. 

 

Oh how i wish it were a fuel pump though. Parts ain't easy down here. 

[Slartibartfast]

I'm not familiar with that scanner, but anything that'll read OBDII codes should be fine. No codes is also a result--just means the computer doesn't know what's wrong either. 

 

If you've got carb cleaner, that works too.

 

Which engine do you have? In the US, an '04 would have the VQ35DE, which has a timing chain. Earlier R50s have the VG33E, which has a timing belt. There should be a data plate in the engine bay (the one with the vin #) that'll list what engine it's got if you're not sure.

 

And yes, slipped timing would absolutely cause a crank/no-start. It could also cause valve damage, so hopefully that's not what happened.

[Ecuadorpathy04]

The Motor is a VQ35 (DE) The Mechanic and I checked the Crank sensor, it had Ohm resistance. The spark plugs also are getting current. There is Gas at the motor. and the computer still with no errors.  I disconnected the battery and turned on the lights to drain any residual current for a computer hard reset. obvs, didn't work. checked all fuses again. and the mechanic said to call an electricity guy. 

 

I'll spray some gas mist into the motor for a try. Another mechanic thought perhaps a computer control unit/module of some kind that is limiting the injectors from spraying.....

another thought is that I could take the injector/s apart and see if they are actually spraying. 

 

The EC manual reads - the crank sensor controls the injectors.   -> Not good sign. the sensor shows it works.  It is strange that the truck got parked, and a few days later didn't start. (weird if it was say the timing belt, or a value issue). And it ran relatively smooth. It doesn't like low RMP driving up mountains (which - mountains is all the time). 4Lo for our driveway for good measure. 

 

I'd change this posting title to be more accurate. A Tow into town is the thought for tomorrow. But one mechanic could figure it out. (not saying a lot down here. maybe other places as well).

 

Thanks for your help Slartibartfast. And BTw your project car is Sooo unique it is cool to see the project! 

Edited April 5, 2023 by Ecuadorpathy04

[Ecuadorpathy04]

PROBLEM SOLVED!!!

 

Won't believe. Key failure. 

 

backstory- Bought truck with one key, went to key maker in the city, and he programmed a key and fob for me. My key! My wife been driving it with hers, and the day it didn't start ->my key. 

 

Just before the tow, I found a reason and sure enough, starts up no problem. thanks again for responses! 

[Slartibartfast]

Good work finding it before throwing parts at something else! Figures it was the security system acting up. 

 

And thanks! It's been sitting for a while now, I need to get back on it.