Do I try to replace the fuel injectors on my 2002 Tacoma 2.7 myself?

I don't know much about cars. But growing up poor and still feeling that way, I've tried to learn. I change the oil and spark plugs - all pretty surface oriented stuff. The biggest job I ever took on on my own was to replace a radiator in hte minivan. That wasn't rocket science. I've fixed some other things using videos on the internet.

Through trial and error, as well as this and other websites, I've determined that the fuel injector in the number 4 cylinder in my Tacoma is bad, and needs replacing. I'm a little short on cash at the moment, so would like to replace it myself. While I'm at it, I think I will replace all 4 injectors, they've all helped take the truck 162,000 miles on ethanol-laced gasoline.

I've seen some videos on replacing injectors that give me some confidence that I can do it. But none of the videos were for 2002 Tacomas, and when I open up the hood, there appears to be a LOT more crap to take off to get to the injectors in my Tacoma than the cars in the videos.

I looked at a site called "It Still Runs", and in addition to the steps the videos discuss, it talks about draining the coolant, disconnecting the throttle body motor assembly, removing the fuel pressure pulsation damper assembly, unplugging the electrical connectors for the fuel and vacuum switching valve, removing the engine wiring harness clamp and the air conditioning compressor clutch connector, all before I get to the fuel rail.

Do any of you know of any other resource or guide that might give me some confidence to take this on? It would be really helpful if I could find a video or a book with good pictures on the multiple intermediary steps.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Don't be hesitant to tell me, it's too much and that I just need to go ahead and pay a mechanic.

Thanks.

 

You can definitely do the injects by yourself. All of us DIY 'mechanics' on here started out just like you did. A lot of us on here have Factory Service Manuals and we can take pictures of the pages for you if you need it. You can find a service manual on eBay and it's worth every penny. Basically a step by step book with pictures on how to do any maintenance item, even down to a full disassembly and rebuild. You dont want to bother with a Hanes type manual, they're 'okay' at best, but the Factory Service Manual is a million times better.

 

Thanks, @BeLance89 . Just bought an FSM on Ebay. This is encouraging. Since I don't plan on getting rid of my Tacoma until I have to, it's probably a good thing to have anyway.

I'm still interested in any other instructions, help or advice anyone can give.

 

These will show you how
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkQ9rvITAy4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2_ZSAtqjmg

 

You're gonna be just fine hombre. It's a bunch of removal steps and then replacing the injectors and putting it back together. The nice thing is that there isn't anything that's gonna require an opinion or diagnosing. You got this just fine, especially with us here

 

Thanks to everyone who's replied. I plan to take it on myself when I get the time to spare, probably next week.

Please look for my questions, because I may have them!

I'm trying to save money, but it's also pretty cool to fix things myself.

 

It is way cool to fix stuff yourself. Builds your confidence and also trains your brain how to think through diagnosing and troubleshooting. Never before have we had such great access to info and to parts to be able to do our own work! The days before the internets were around it was a LOT harder to be a DIY guy. I encourage anyone and everyone to at least try and do even the little things as it really does help improve skills that carry over to many aspects of life.
Gosh, listen to me, I've turned into an old man. Wtf. But it's still a great idea to do your own work especially with the help of a few hunnid strangers

 

FIXED!! The service manual gave me guidance. Y’all gave me confidence. There were about 5 bolts that were really hard to access, and that number 4 injector is really remote. But I fought through it and saved hundreds, I’m sure.

 

Awesome dude! Nice work! That's really good to hear