I had one exactly like yours. Same exact problem. Driver's side, rear tire, up on the frame, is the GAS FILTER. Change that out. It will tend to happen more going uphill...than downhill. I put 275,000 miles on that thing.

Fuel filter would be the first thing I would look at. If a little bit of water makes it into the filter these old Toyota's didn't like to start. Also wouldn't hurt to clean the carb. The only thing that would of made this truck better is if you found one of the Turbo 22ret trucks to buy.

What I love with Matt is that he doesn't just run off and buys a lambo just to brag he buys a god damn old Toyota 4x4.. That's is what makes this KZfaqr unique.. and I love it..

This 1980’s Toyota pickups with that 22R motor is one of the absolute best trucks ever made! Hands down!

Well, Matt, if you ever watched ViceGrip Garage, you would know that Derek recommends a new fuel filter, maybe a set of plugs & an Italian tune up - a couple of cans of Berryman B-12 in the gas tank will fix 'er up like brand new.

Those bugs are springtails. Also called Snowfleas. They are active in winter. They are harmless. They do reproduce like crazy though so if you want to get rid of them do it soon. Also make sure your house is very sealed because they like to go inside.

Honestly I think it's time Linc starts working on cars. This car is perfect for him to learn on.

I am late to the party, but two things: 1) I have never identified more with anything you have said than "Between kids and work, I just don't have time for my stuff anymore." I felt that in my soul. 2) My first thought would be water in your gas line. But then it started and ran for a while. That would send me to the fuel filter or pump. Don't worry about the old gas; it would still run with old gas, just not well. Filters are so cheap, I would replace it anyway, and I can't imagine the pump is still very good. It is either bad or about to go bad, because that looks like the OG pump. Clean the carb regardless; that can only help.

Hey, Matt: when you get a table for the patio, or build an outside kitchen, use the mural as a table top or a backsplash above the grill.

I think those bugs are called springtails. They are harmless to humans and structures and very important for healthy soil

Is this what happens? Matt drives a vehicle down to the "armory" and leaves it, and just buys a new one? "Armory" must be code for vehicle disposal yard.

Oh, lord. I've seen so many ISF vehicles done up like this - didn't realize they were called "technicals". Have fun with it, man. Mount that ma deuce up in there.

Regarding tiles - if you can, you should have them placed in the bottom of your new pool, assuming you are tiling the pool it would be a cool memento

I’d replace the fuel filters after you burn through that tank. There’s probably a bunch of crud in the bottom of the tank and clogged filters won’t help very much.

Thank you Matt; I own a 93 Toyota truck. 22re. I’ve wanted to restore this thing for a couple years; Florida truck no rust. Just the paint because of the sun beat it up. Brand new $7000. At the shop they offered a lot of $$$$$. I said NO. I’ll keep this truck for the rest of my life. Because of your blog I’m going to restore it. Thank you.

Hey Matt I have a 1985 Toyota pickup 4x4 that I’ve diesel swapped. When I bought it the horn didn’t work so I did some research and the brass contacts in the steering wheel get worn down. To fix it you can use a 22 brass over the plunger to help it make better contact when you push the button. It worked in mine so I’m sure it would help in yours!

You should get the tiles reassembled and framed like a painting to put in the house somewhere as a reminder of the journey you went on rebuilding the house.

"Most of you will die, but that is a sacrifice that I am willing to make. " - Matt- Demolition Ranch

Regarding the bugs- get a spray called “Demon WD” and line all window seals, doorframes, garage, etc

Take the tiles and put them together and put them on DEMO HQ. So it can be seen, but not on the house... Then you can have visitors that come to the house and stay, sign the wall. So put some blank tiles there so they can sign, like you did in the previous house, with the wood texas.

According to Car Gurus, MSRP for an 81 Toyota 4x4 was between $8-9K. Plugging $8500 and 1981 into an inflation calculator comes up with a little over $26K in 2021 dollars. Assuming you don't uncover any major problems, you got a pretty good deal. Since it came from California, there's no need to keep any of the CA specific emissions control junk. You'll probably be happier with a 49 state OEM or an aftermarket carb. You should also check the evaporative emissions controls. If something is plugged up it could cause symptoms you're experiencing. As a reluctant CA resident I'd like to see that license plate destroyed in Demo Ranch video.

Your fuel shutoff solenoid is what's clicking, that's what's preventing your truck from running. Mine went out on my 1980.

Finally after 5 years of watching this channel Matt buys something up my alley! I love old Toyota pickups. Run forever and can go through mud all day long. Matt, more awesome stuff like this and less overrated Corvettes and Hooptie low riders lmao

The fuel line in the tank needs to be able to pick up fuel. If there is a split in the line that allows air into the line, it would explain needing to keep the tank above a certain level. I'm not sure if that's the issue, but it is a possibility. I would guess it's more likely the pump, a clogged filter, or a carb rebuild. Good luck man. The truck is beautiful

The bugs are most likely springtails you brought in with the new dirt and they didnt like that it was getting too dry. They like moist places. They arent pests so you shouldnt have to worry!

Yes Toyotas sometimes fix themselves. However, carburetors don't clean themselves. Do a fuel filter too. Clean the carb, pop a new battery in and it's going to be fine.

Build a welcoming mural sign at the entrance of the mansion and put them back together with a light lightening them up.

Matt the small bugs are Springtails! They’re decomposers and don’t do much harm to houses or people or anything

for the old house tiles, i would suggest making them in to a fountain or an accent wall in the backyard (if you do an outdoor fireplace or pizza oven that would be a cool place to use them.

In Texas, a car over 25 years old, can be a classic car, and you can strip every single emission sensor you want off of that thing.

I have a 1986 1ton 22re (fuel injected) automatic pickup with 8ft bed, 2wd. For an 86 new from factory mine has the same bed without hooks. My grandfather bought it bran new and still have all the original paperwork. It's all original and in amazing running and driving and looking condition. 130k miles. I absolutely love the truck. Your new purchase is awsome!

Nice buy. One of the best trucks ever made. If your looking for the fuel filter it will either be in the engine bay on the passenger fender normally or under the box on top of the frame strapped to the forward most bed mount on the passenger side

Possibly pulling sediment into the fuel filter and clogging it up, then when it's shut down the sediment falls off and back into the tank. When you put the fuel in, it could have flushed the sediment away from the screen allowing it to run for so long. Just my thoughts

Pressurize the tank and see if fuel flows. Always a quick first step when on the trail. Makes reverse diagnosis easier.

Awesome buy man. Recommend just changing all the fluids and filters and it will treat you right. Miss my old 78. I couldn’t kill that thing.

I would say you should have looked around more and on more then just "bring a trailer". I have seen some recent postings for an 81 Yota for as low as $4400. That aside congrats on the purchase. Great pickups. I too recommend what everyone else is saying, clean the carb, change the fuel filter, flush the lines, and check the fuel tank itself (may need to be cleaned also).

We've had one of those little trucks passed around the family since it was new. It's got 340,000+ miles now and still kicking.

Hi Matt, the two pipes up to the fuel pump are feed and return if they are crossed, it will only draw fuel from top of the tank, replace the pump and cross them over, your in the right place just looking the rong way 😉

Had that same issue! Do a carb rebuild, replace fuel pump, and fuel filter. If you don't want to rebuild the carb I would recommend a weber 32/36, for a little more performance an outlaw 38/38 is the way to go, they can be finicky but once you get it running and driving great they're extremely reliable!

My uncle had an 84 4x4 with a stepside Was jacked up, big tires, roll bar, KC lights, royal blue. It Was sweet

22R had 97 HP. Watch the timing chains. You might have an intermittent clog in the fuel pick-up. Putting fuel in can knock it loose, then as you run in will get sucked back in. Had an International at work that drove us crazy for a month, dying then starting up and running fine when we towed it back in. The mechanic had an idea, reached into the tank with a claw grabby thingy (that's technical jargon there, sorry), and pulled out a piece of blue shop paper towel about an inch square.

The front yard needs a fountain ⛲️ so those tiles would make a great bottom of that. Plus the kids can have a wishing well

With the mural tiles… you could build a little timber table and make the top as the mural. Could sit to the side of the porch and you could use it for your sunrise coffees. ☕️ ☀️

Matt, fuel filter first (use a clear plastic inline one). Use a simple automotive test light to see if you are getting electricity/juice to that type of fuel pump when the key is in the run position. Trace and check your wires, electrical connections, electric relays (fuel pump?) and any resetting circuit breakers if it has any (you need both a Haynes and also a Chilton's repair and troubleshooting manual for that specific truck), order them new, you'll need them. Removing the fuel line into the carb to see if it squirts fuel pulses when you are cranking the engine over fast with two batteries with your thumb over the end of the line will tell you if the pump is working or not. I love those '81 Toyota long and short bed 4x4's with manual transmissions and 22R engines. ;)

Dude that Toyota truck is the most badass thing out there right now. Good, damn good find. I’m a mechanic in the Midwest and we had a guy who had one with 5-600k miles. It’s amazing. They are amazing

There are things in life worth being ashamed of. Buying a vintage Toyota truck is NEVER one of those things.

My Dad had a 1982 in Highschool. I bought my 1980 my Sr. year and have had it since. I love these trucks and wish I could restore mine. Very nice Matt

Matt that is a beauty you should be able to find the fuel filter on the passenger side of the block i recommend a 22re swap mine does 3rd gear burnouts with my 22re i have a 1980 toyota pickup

i had a 1982 turbo toyota truck, it ran for 340k miles and the turbo went out, took the turbo off and ran it N/A for another 300k, truck finally fully died at 662k miles after rolling off a berm. Best truck i ever owned. If I had to guess, you're having carb or fuel pump issues, or the fuel lines are clogged.

Matt: "I'm going to build a Technical." Well, yeah. That's what Toyota HiLuxes/Pickups are for.

I had an 80s truck that had sat for a long time and the steel fuel pick up lines in the tank had corroded pinholes above the fuel level at the time, so it ran fine with a full tank but when the fuel level got below the pinholes it acted like it ran out of gas until you fill it back up.

Could be spring tails. The love moisture. Clover mites for the times ive seem them are redish color. Your basic "home defense" pesticides from box stores would do the trick. Just spray down the foundation 1 foot up by 1 foot out

This hurt... I sold mine after high school and I absolutely loved it, needed a full size truck at the time and made the mistake of letting it go. Congratulations Matt awesome purchase!

The Texas handyman in him is good at fixing but seeing as Matt is King off the Demolita as well, he has his own type of King Midas touch, although in his case it destroys, which is why he was able to break these “unbreakable” trucks.

My first truck was the square headlight 1982 version. 10 inches of lift on 38.5 inch TSL super swampers that were 16 inches wide. Best truck ever,, blew out three ring and pinion because my father and I built up the 22R. Old trick, if you put a 20 R head on a 22R motor you get a compression and power increase

Haven't had a whole lot of experience, and certainly not with Toyota but I've got an old Ford that was doing a similar thing recently. Truck would run sometimes and then sometimes act like it had no gas. When I'd pull pull lines off the fuel pump would still pump gas just not when you hooked everything up. Put a new fuel pump on worked great. As everyone else is saying fuel filter and carb clean as well.

Related to the bugs, it is most likely Springtaiils and came in on the sod. You need to quickly get a lawn service (chemical).

Matt, that 81 Yota takes me back to my life just out of high school! My eldest sister had one but it was an SR5 (top of the line) and we built decks in Southern California. What a work horse! The bed with the external hooks is the Japanese version. The smooth wall bed is the American model. So stoked about your rad build, dude!

Hey Matt here in Australia hilux's are everywhere and I had an 80's model tray back single cab as a first car that I bought for 1500 bucks, makes me sick hearing how much they are worth now

they look like springtails and a technical is also a taliwagon! all you need is some rebar welded into a tripod and a DShK mounted on back 👍

My father in law is a mechanic and has an early 90s Toyota pickup. Bought brand new it now has about 320,000 miles always loaded with tools. Those trucks are great.

I believe the clicking is a pump that "primes" the fuel filter right before starting. My guess is the fuel filter is clogged from the presumed old gas. Replace that and run some seafoam through it which should help.

just looking at the wall in your garage with the little meters or whatever they are made me think, you should put some solar panels somewhere on DemoRanch, obviously out of sight of the view, along with a big battery system either in the house or somewhere heated so you have backup if Texas has another power cut like before!

It could be vapor locking go crack the gas top off the bed and see if you could hear draw air and then you know that prevents clogged and if the vents clogged it’s like trying to sort through glass bottle

Springtails will thrive in any sewer line or septic tank system connected to the home. Once these areas get infested, its just a matter of time before they forage through the pipes and end up inside the home. You'll know this is happening when you start seeing springtails in the sink.

You adopt cars like some people adopt pets. Fun to watch how you even can speak about their personalities. :)

Check the distributor and the spark plugs just in case, definitely look into cleaning the carburetor

I know and understand. I started with a 81 diesel. Love it. Wound up with fore more. These things breed! They're all different, and there all great little trucks! Enjoy it.

When I saw this truck I was like, hey Roman just bought a truck almost the same as that one lol. And Matt is right, those trucks are not cheap! He for sure got a good deal on it. Congrats on your new old truck Matt!

That thing is absolutely amazing! I have a soft spot for small trucks these days; theyre great in the city being car sized, but with a bed, and 4x4. Super great

I bought one when i was 20 years old right off the lot for 13500 dollars in 1988 and drove it for 18 years . Only had one problem with it. I had to change the master cylinder at 100 miles . Best truck I have every owned and I suer do miss it . Thanks Matt.

Hey Matt, on your Yoda check your fuel filter.. an might need to drain the tank an clean it out might be debris in the bottom of the tank choking off your fuel pickup, or the filter sock might need replacing, an check the fuel pump for pressure, an definitely rebuild the carb..

I have a feeling that "technical" is going to be pretty epic knowing some of the toys Matt has 😜

What a beautiful truck, the 22R is a solid motor and the 81 has a solid front axel. Great purchase from one Toyota pickup owner to another.

Matt! First truck was a 1980 short bed just like that. That thing was bomb proof. Mine had the 20R engine.

Make the tiles the top of a small concrete table and benches for somewhere to sit and watch the sunset on your land.

I'd say it's the fuel pump going out. Might be a filter like other people stated. You got a great deal on this thing BTW. That's worth at least 25k. (and yes, Toyota's do fix themselves sometimes).

You would think with all the old cars Matt's been buying, he would know to change the fuel filter right away. lol

I had a 1979 Honda CX 500 motorcycle 🤣 had a similar issue because of the fuel line filter getting filled with crud out of the original fuel tank, fed a borescope in the tank and was amazing the state of rust everywhere but the welding 🤣 replacement fuel tank and new filter fixed it up for another few thousand miles (35,000 a year pretty good for the UK)

I think you should just put the tiles on a board, frame it and hang it on a wall in your house, it would look awesome. For framing you could actually use interior cornice. (it will look great in the end)

I had an 82 Toyota that my dad and I rebuilt together, that thing was indestructible. Sad to see one not running

I owned that exact truck, even the same color, in the early 90's. Great truck. The 22R is an excellent engine.

Matt you should check out some of Junkyard Digs videos. They do old car revivals and they have tons of videos that show what to look for when an old car won't start.

I had an 86. Awesome truck with the same issue. Had two cups of dirt cleaned out of the carb and it started great and purred like a kitten.

The bugs seem like a type of springtail , hard to tell on a video . Springtails are good for bioactive habitats for reptile or any other bioactive enclosure ... the eat and breakdown poop and whatnot .. They don't bother humans or bite.. or maybe its some new species of flea and matts gonna get devoured in his sleep ... either way , hope it helps XD

Welcome to the Toyota family. Good luck breaking the addiction. As for the 22R, fuel filter is my guess

Replace the fuel filter. If there is enough garbage in the fuel, over time it will collect in the filter and plug it up. After sitting for a while, the garbage will settle out and it will start and run until the fuel flow causes the garbage to plug the filter again. I've seen it many times.

22Rs are beasts and I'd just clean all the lines out especially if its sat for a while. My buddy had one with dual transfer cases and he built it to be a rock climber and it'll go anywhere and climb anything. I'd say its either the fuel filter, pump, or carb needs cleaned. Can you hear the pump running? Could also be a relay or fuse or some sort of vacuum line.

Abandoned mansion was actually home to billions of bugs. Owners gave up fighting them.

Dude, that was so Back to the Future when the truck stalled by the HQ. I think you (Matt) forgot to try one thing. You (Matt) should have tried head butting the horn button on the steering wheel. Then huffed it to 88 Miles Per Hour!!!!

You should put the painted mural on one of the Bunker branding walls to show your success and start of a new beginning in the lovely home you saved from being condemned .you did what most people think is impossible and the mural will also be a great Conversation starter. hope you like the idea love your channel watch it all the time..

I had a 1980 18R toyota 4x4. It was the best to work on. But always carry a spare fuel filter. Wash the fuel tank out and after market carbs jets will always clog up. Great on the sand at the beach...

Letssss gooooo loved the video yesterday the house looks amazing keep it up 👍

I feel ya, Matt. I wore camo pants and a plaid shirt the other day. My family disowned me. smh

Hubby says fuel filter or pump, or trash in the tank. Adding fuel stirs it up and allows it to get fuel then when it gets below a point the trash settles and clogs the lines and causes it to die. And fuel injector cleaner after you clean everything up.

Those are springtails, since this happened during the construction of your home, it is possible that you have a moisture issue within your walls. This will eventually go away on its own in a few years through the process of heating and cooling the inside of your house; and those little springtails will likely go away on their own as well. Spray vinegar directly on the springtails, and take a rag, and spread the vinegar around infested areas. The high acidity content of vinegar can burn and kill springtails. Let this sit for some time. After using vinegar to help with the immediate issues, wash down the infested surfaces with detergent and water.

The fuel tank only pulls from the three quarter level, it needs a new fuel tank, or fuel pick up. In the movie Back to the Future, Marty McFly, played by Michael j.Fox wanted a Toyota 4 x 4 pickup truck. At the end of the third movie you see him racing needles... Needles was played by Flea the bass guitar player for Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Matt, there is a inline filter half way from the Gas tank, should be on the driver's side by the frame! I would check that first I bet it's clogged up !

If you keep having problems with the carburetor and it not running right, a Weber 32-36 carburetor with the 22r to Weber adapter plates will make it run really good. Also getting rid of the emissions off the truck. It will clean up the engine bay and make it look really good. I love the early 80’s Toyota pickup. I had an 1984 extended cab Toyota pickup as my first truck and it ran and drove great even with a rod knock and burning oil. I grew up with Toyota pickups and can keep going on and on about what will make it a great truck. There is probably a lot of comments telling you what you should do to it but all this is, is information for you to consider to make your experience with it better.

Replace the fuel filter. If it has been sitting for a while, it could have water in the tank. It could also have a fuel pump that is either intermittent or slow pumping.