1995 4runner, 200k

Known History, had been stored 5 yrs + -- , was purchased by yard mechanic to flip. ( Yay me)

I paid cash, drove home, next day, it began......

No start. No fuel. Accessed fuel tank, handfuls of fine rust. Dropped tank, CLEANED, twice. New pump, New filter (×2), sock,

Problem improved greatly. 

2 months, began stalling on takeoff. Filter 3rd time. Complete Tune-up, plugs, wires , cap, + 3 months.

Began missing, rough idle, no power, NONE, ONE fuel source only, babied few months.....progressive miss, occasional misfire, located broken knock sensor harness = top-end teardown

For new knock sensor harness, ( sensor tested good ), CLEANED lower and upper intake, new gaskets, etc. ,  random misfire, 2 mo.

New timing kit, belt, idler, water pump, sync, all marks,

New injectors,

New plugs again, checked trouble codes, 22 , only code. Coolant temp. Sensor.

Not replaced ( yet , getting expensive ), very heavy carbon deposits on plugs now. IF starts, runs like on 2-3 cylinders, heavy black smoke, occasional backfire,

Inspected firing order and wires, new coil pack, etc. Etc. Etc. Money Pit at this point. Disgusted, defeated,

Broke, not happy, yard ornament, junk ???

I'm no mechanic !!! Bought dealers repair manuals, have exhausted my capabilities, knowledge, etc.

Not done compression test yet ( omg ) , is becoming my enigma lol. Tons of money, time, tools, patience, all and more. ECM ?? No scan tool, use recommended methods to retrieve codes. ( blinking dash light ), am fast out of options , again, NOT a mechanic but, no dummy either. At my end , any ideas or suggestions ( mouse house , goat climb, scrapyard ), greatly appreciated,  I need educated help, advice, etc.

   Very difficult to find a trustworthy mechanic nowadays or would be his problem. For now, I'm all I got. Help Please.