97 RAV4 starting problems/fuel supply problem

December 27, 2017

Hello everyone, Newbie here.
I got a 97 RAV4, with a starting/fuel problem. on half a fuel tank when I try starting the car it will start for 1 or 2 seconds then it stops. The engine will crank, but will not kick in again.
If I wait 3-4 hours it will do the same thing. It will start for a second then only the engine will crank.
I tried to check the fuses, they seem OK. I replaced the fuel pump and the injectors. The same thing is happening. I also replaced the fuel filter in the engine compartment and there we twisted the fuel line a bit accidentally. But gasoline still gets to the injector rail, we tested that one. We checked for sparks and the plugs seem to be OK.
At this point I have no idea, if it is timing, or a fuel supply problem.
Anyone has any idea what could be the problem? Thank you very much, for your consideration.

December 27, 2017

Hi... hmmmm, the engine running for one second hardly constitutes running at all! It sounds like one cylinder is firing then cutting. I would whip the valve gear cover off and check that the camshaft and valve gear is turning (crank the engine over and observe). You could have a broken cam-belt; do you have any history of when it was last changed? I believe the belt is good for 60,000 Km or ten years. (although I have heard they normally go to at least 90,000Km)

What I have never been able to determine... is if these 1997/8 2ltr engines are are none interferance engines or not (i.e. the valves don't hit the pistons if the cam-belt breaks). Toyota won't or can't tell and mechanics can't seem to confirm one way or the other! I have heard equal amounts of claims for both theorys. I originally purchased mine on the strength of it being non-interferance; but not so sure now...

Anyhow, if everything else checks out at least you can check if the valve gear is turning... just make sure the ignition or plugs are diabled when you crank it over, esp. if you if you are putting it in gear to turn the engine; if it then suddenly starts... it could bury the car in the back of your garage or over the hill! Good luck.

Edited December 27, 2017 by daveh_rav4
attocious spelling lol (where is the spell checker on this forum?)

December 27, 2017

Hi... reading your post again; you mention it not running with half a tank of fuel! Please clarify... does it start and run with more than half to a full a tank of fuel?

If so, that might indicate a tank vacuum, i.e as the fuel is being used and the tank having reduced fuel; if the tank is not venting then a vacuum will be created thus stopping fuel from leaving the tank. I am not sure how these tanks are vented... some vehicles have a vented fuel cap (could be blocked) or a balanced twin fuel line. Quick way... is to whip the fuel tank filler cap off when you get the starting problem and release any vacuum... you may even hear a hissing sound as the cap is removed as the vacuum is released. Worth a try.

No other replys... where are all our Toyota Techs? Still recovering from the Xmas vapours no doubt LOL

December 27, 2017

I seem to remember that the rav may have a closed venting system included in the fuel supply from the tank which keeps the fumes venting into the atmosphere by the fitting of a carbon filter/ valve ? that absorbs and stores them which has a feed line to the intake when starting so I was thinking that any rushing sound heard may be air going in when removing the tank cap. May be wrong though, any one know better? Could this go faulty and cause it receive too much fuel . Just a thought

December 28, 2017

Thank You very much for all you guys help, it might be the tank vacuum, I had less than half full when I tried to start it. (I had to use the gasoline for the generator, thanks to hurricane Maria, 3 ms and still no water, no electricity, time to move back to Europa.....)

It all started (the starting problems), when 4 months ago the fuel tank went below half a tank. since then I never had the chance to fill it up again full. (again hurricane Maria)

I had a local mechanic do some checking, but he did not get very far.

It was then that I replaced the pump and the injectors. And once again I see gasoline getting to the injector fuel rail line, but the transport will cut off after one second. Maybe the vacuum cuts off.

Thank you all again,

Have a (Possible) Happy New Year

I will try it with a full tanks..... and get back