'85 fuel problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

TVISMR2 · 04-22-2008, 06:35 PM

'85 Camry DX auto w/ 101k miles

Just recently after running the car down to the low fuel light and then filling up at a Chevron, the car is suddenly having some major issues. It's acting like it's running out of gas.

It started with just a little cutting out when trying to merge on the freeway, and has since gotten worse. I was able to free rev the car while in park but the car had a lot of trouble climbing rpms when in drive (under load). Now it won't rev in park or drive easily. Hitting the gas just makes the car cut out and stumble. The car always had a bit of a drop in power mid rpms. Felt like it would would kinda hit a dead spot.

When I start the car cold, it almost acts normal. As soon as it starts getting warmed up, it starts stumbling and cutting out bad. Car idles fine most of the time. On light throttle the car will move but won't really go past 25mph. If you try to mash the gas the car just stumbles and slows down.

I just recently (about 1,000mi or so before the problem) replaced the fuel filter and plugs.

Could it be a dieing fuel pump? (well pretty much dead now because the car has gotten even worse)

Is there a way to check the fuel pump to see if it's working properly? Do I need to drop the tank to do the fuel pump?

Kanmuri86 · 04-22-2008, 11:59 PM

i wish i knew more about this stuff so i could help more, but im guessing its the pump, or maybe the coil?

WannaBButch · 04-23-2008, 12:30 AM

Take off the gas cap and put your ear by the filler tube while having someone crank the car. You should hear a buzzing sound if the pump is kicking on.

TVISMR2 · 04-23-2008, 12:37 AM

Well the car starts up and idles so the pump is doing something at least. I'm just looking for a sure fire way to test the pump w/out having to R&R.... and spend a decent amount of money in the process.

WannaBButch · 04-23-2008, 12:45 AM

If it's only an intermittent problem with the pump then testing it isn't going to do any good unless by chance you happen to catch it when it's not working.

WannaBButch · 04-23-2008, 12:49 AM

Go here http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Gen2/EFI.pdf. All the info on the fuel system is there and the methods of testing.

Doctor J · 04-23-2008, 08:33 AM

Pull the trouble codes if any are present: could be the coolant thermo sensor

Ontherdagain · 04-23-2008, 10:56 PM

Just wondering if it was still on the same tank of gas that your having the problems ??

TVISMR2 · 04-24-2008, 01:37 AM

Yeah it's still the same tank. I've only been able to put about 50 miles on it. The car is just not driveable in it's current state. We fill our other vehicles at that station and have had no problems. Chevron 87 octane. I highly doubt it has anything to do with the gas. I'm thinking since the car was run down to the low fuel light, and there was barely any gas in the tank to keep the pump submerged, maybe it was enough to kill this old fuel pump the rest of the way.

AstroVannin · 04-24-2008, 08:26 AM

Jump the diag terminals for the fuel pump and see if that remedies the problem. Couls be a realy issue of some kind. I had the same problem with my 4Runner and that what I did to figure it out. If you look at hte manual it should tell you whih ones to jump. Otherwise Il look at my factory electrics manual tonight for you.

TVISMR2 · 04-24-2008, 12:16 PM

E1 and TE1 yes? I'll check it out

Doctor J · 04-24-2008, 12:44 PM

No !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B+ and FP

TVISMR2 · 04-25-2008, 04:39 AM

I only asked because thats the pins I jump on my MR2's. I haven't even looked at the diagnostic connector on the Camry yet. No idea what pins are there. Figured they may have been the same. Been too busy getting my MR2 ready for TORC

Kep · 04-25-2008, 09:35 AM

I have often heard that running a car on a low tank of gas is hard on the pump (something about the gas lubricates the pump and it doesn't get as much lubrication when the tank is low). Don't know for sure but after 22 years the pump sure would be entitled to die. However, before dissing the pump I would check (or replace) the fuel filter, if it is getting plugged up it will give similar symptoms. Go through the chapter that WannaBButch suggested. It should give you some troubleshooting ideas.

Kep

TVISMR2 · 04-28-2008, 10:50 PM

I ordered a fuel pressure gauge to check the operation of the pump. I'm thinking it's either a bad fuel pump or severely clogged injectors. Won't find out for at least a week.....