I got to work on the car last friday, finally!
My findings:
- Some good news: The oil was absolutely free from particles, at least none I could see in bright sunlight. I don't know what I what I saw on the oil dipstick back then, but I'm glad I didn't see it again.
- It seems Toyota wanted a Van and what they started with, was a fuel filter. Then the car was built around that.
Anyways, starting has gotten better, but I'm not too sure how much because I was away all weekend and could only do one cold start so far. That one worked on the first try. - The fuel pump turns on when the starter is engaged, and turns off after a second or two. Setting the key on ignition only does not start the fuel pump!
- I replaced two vac hoses that were looking funny. One to the fuel pressure regulator, the other to the vacuum sensor. I was hoping this could help with the economy light being red all the time, but it didn't.
- ...and then friday was over :/ The ominous rattle at idle still eludes me. Now that the back engine bay cover has been off, the noise seems to be louder at the transmission-side of the engine, about where the starter is sitting. I'll look into this more closely one of these days.. the weather is fine now, finally.
- Also discovered some rust that needs taking care of
- Decided to set the 16V swap to a point in time far far away from now. Maybe when it's medically possible to implant another joint, right between elbow and wrist. I think that would make working in that engine space possible. Don't even think about a V8.
- Good news on documentation too! I found an original engine repair manual on ebay for the 3rz-fe, got it for 1€, then found out the seller now also sells one for my 2rz-e! Yes!
- Still planning on buying and driving on pure pump fuel, for now.
Next task will be to check for any error codes present in the ECU and of course, find the rattle.
Bye,
Stefan