I just got an older 86 4Runner 22RE and she is not doing so well. On start up it coughs a little every once in a while and takes a little while to start. Once she goes seems okay except for the odd little stutter which you really have to listen for. But when I put her in gear she sputs, coughs up some black smoke and just generally does not want to go anywhere. I checked the plug wires and they seem okay. The distributer seems fine too. I have not removed any plugs yet as I need an extension. Any suggestions as to what it may be if not the plugs?

My first guess is the ignition coil. Injectors may be dirty. Check the compression. See if the plugs are nasty first.

Hey Brian thanks for the advise, I did get in and change the plugs and well they were really not bad at all. I little black but not worn. My ride seems to be running fine now, starts easy and doesn't miss a beat. I also put in some injector cleaner on this tank of fuel. So far it's back to normal so I don't know what to think about this little event of sputtering but I guess if it happens again I will look at the ignition coil.

Ihave the same motor , my problem was a injector was totally clogged ,I HAD TO PULL the injectors out and have them cleaned. :grinno: