I own a 1992 Toyota Camry, 2.2L, 4-Cylinder. It has a little more than 172K miles, and runs fantastic. I bought the car for $400.00 a few months ago. and when I bought the car it had a little problem with a rough Idle. I never thought much of it.. But this problem is quite perplexing.. I used to work on cars, and I am mechanically inclined... So heres what I got:
I have a rough idle that seems to only appear when the car warms up. If i run the car cold it runs perfectly, no rough idle at all. But once the car warms up it begins running roughly. It will hesitate when I press the gas, and after the Tachometer gets around 2,000 RPMs it will run fine, It just "putters" under around 2k RPMs..
This problem was better about a month ago, now that its getting colder outside it seems the problem is getting worse, Now the rough idle is getting so bad the cars RPMs drop so much the car almost dies when I come to a stop. It just stated this a few days ago. Yet when the car is in park, it has a rarely runs rough.
Each time the car starts running roughly the tachometer needle drops. I checked the spark plugs and they have a greyish substance, resembling powder on them.. I plan to replace all 4 this friday. I don not suspect the alternator is the problem because the car starts just fine, there has never been a rough start on it.
I think I may know the problem, I have a slight exhaust leak, My exhaust manifold is not properly connected to the rest of the exhaust pipe, allowing it to leak. (the space is so tight I cannot get the bolts off yet to fix the problem) So im thinking the engine may be sucking in the leaking exhaust robbing it of oxygen thus making it run roughly. Though I am not sure.. Ive heard to check the timing belt as well. From what I can see everything is still oriddgional, and never been replaced yet. except the battery of course. Any idea's? I hear it could even be a bad catalatic converter which is not allowing exhaust to flow through and the exhaust is backing up in the pipes? though exhaust comes out the tailpipe, im not sure if the exhaust is flowing as it should, maybe a small block?
P.s: Im also a big fan of completing all my mechanics work at home, so if you could please let me know how hard the fix will be so I dont star something I cannot finish on my own
Thanks guys!
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