Questions and Answers
Dying Camry
Q. I have a 1986 Toyota Camry 4cyl automatic. When cold the car starts and runs fine for 3 to 5 minutes, then it runs rough and dies. IF I try to restart it, it just stumbles and dies, but will restart when absolutely cold. It has 106,000 miles, and new:
- Spark plugs and wires
- Air and gas filters
- PCV valve
- Distributor cap and rotor fairly new and check out OK
- The timing appears to be OK.
It is obvious the cold start injectors work, but once the car starts to warm up the problem begins. What do you think the problem is?
Dennis
A. I suspect you either have a vacuum leak or the EGR valve is stuck open. Either one would cause the problem you describe.
When you start the engine cold, let it run until it starts to die, then spray some carb cleaner into the intake. If the rpm's speed up and the engine smooths out, then you definitely have a vacuum leak. If it makes no difference, then I would look at the EGR valve.
