This does sound like a fuel issue. Don't assume because parts are new(er) that they are ok. Check the connection for the fuel pump, fuel pump relay, etc.. A dirty throttle body will not cause this.

The fact that you had to pump the gas pedal to keep it running tells me it is not a spark issue.

 

I agree, For it to spit and sputter for a mile and through two starting cycles and progressively get worse it doesn't seem like a sensor or any ground or fuse issue. Also, I wouldn't think a fuel filter would do this either. It would usually still idle but have trouble when applying throttle.....:facepalm:

 

My .02......Fuel Filter is toast.

 

check all the vacuum lines, surprised it hasnt thrown the CEL

 

And?
Any Update?

 

18+ yr. old truck. Could be a lot of things, but as already mentioned, I too wonder about the condition of the fuel filter?

I have a '04 Tacoma with the 2.4l engine. Toyota basically has the fuel filter listed as a non-service item. Did they do the same for your model? I've never quite understood that. How can any filter that is truly doing it's job never need replacement?

 

Find out what it is not getting. Spray some carb cleaner in the intake-run? Fuel issue. Pull a plug wire and see if it is getting spark. Oil in the intake indicates lots of blow-by. May need compression test. Sounds like it needs a shop. Fuel filter is probably not the issue. Could have a bad fuel pump.

 

May try to check fuel system by pulling the hose off of the fuel rail, wedging a 2 liter bottle nearby, and turning the key. See what it's doing as it fills: barely coming out, pulsing, erratic, or a steady solid stream.

Possibly crank case blow by into the intake fouling things up. Is the air filter a K&N? If so, get a can of MAF Sensor cleaner and a paper filter. Clean the sensor and related hardware in there and try it again.

Any noticeable smoke from the tailpipe? Color and/or odor?

Anyone ever had a plugged catalytic converter? Maybe too much back pressure causing issues. I've never encountered that. But it's an older truck and has seen many miles and strange things happen.

 

Ignition coils.

 

The easiest thing to do would be to check for codes. There may not be any, but at least you don't have to get dirty.

If there is that much oil reaching the TB, then the idle air bypass valve is probably gummed-up as well. May not be the direct cause of your problem, but it could be a contributor.

I would try shooting some starting fluid in past the TB to see if it will start. If it does, it's probably a fuel problem. If not, then more likely to be ignition.

 

Did you ever get your issues fixed?

 

He has not been back on since 4/9, so we may never know.

 

I wonder if he'll sell me that truck now?

 

Found Him.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/322837-stranded-me-wont-fire-just-bought.html