Fuel issue troubleshooting - 96 SC 1KzTE - Lift pump?

Long time listener, first time caller. I’m having some trouble with my van after ~25000 trouble free kilometers.

Is there a fuel lift pump in the tank of these vehicles as well as the EJI system at the engine?

I’ve diagnosed my problem as fuel related but can’t seem to find where exactly the problem is. Trying to get an idea of what I’m getting myself into…

No there is no lift pump in the tank but there is a strainer on the pickup pipe and given the age of these vans they are due for dropping the tank and a good clean out , did my dank the strainer was 90% blocked. Also there are filters on the IP that also were partly blocked good video you tube Medina diesel lab 1kzte.

Also check the priming pump:

If it's stuck down when the engine is struggling, it's a blockage in the tank filter, or tiny tank breather (open tank cap, rush of air in = breather blocked).

If it's up, possibly it's cracked around the pushing in bit and you need a new primer pump, and also check hoses to the injector pump - ALL must be airtight, or the vacuum lift of the fuel fails.