Questions and Answers
Toyota Not Running Right
Q. I have a question regarding my 1989 Toyota Corolla wagon. It has a 1.6 liter carbureted 4 cylinder, standard transmission no cruise, has A/C and P/S. The car has 154,000 miles on it and is very difficult to start when it is cold. It also keeps running for a few seconds when turning it off no matter if it is cold or hot. I believe the term is dieseling. I also notice that the car is sluggish when accelerating. What I mean is that the car will chug and seem to miss or seem like it is not getting fuel for a brief moment about 2-4 times from 0 to 45 mph. As far as the cold starting, the pedal must be pressed several times before it will start. When it is started there is a rich exhaust smell like the car is getting to much fuel much like when a 2 stroke engine is started like a lawn mower.
The timing belt, spark plugs, fuel filter, air cleaner, plug wires and distributor cap have all been replaced. I am also wondering if some other parts may be worn relating to the timing belt causing the car to go "out of time". Please let me know if that is possible. Or if you think it is a carburetor related issue.
Thank you!
A. All of these symptoms would seem to point to the timing being out of whack. Either due to the new belt being a tooth off or the base ignition timing being off. A timing light would tell you that in a minute. If the belt is off a tooth, then you will need to take it off and set the base engine timing and replace the belt.
