93 corolla

[sethmo64]

Hey everyone, just bought a 93 corolla with 79k miles, runs good but it's old and it has it's little nicks and dings. It has an auto tranny and I'm not really looking to do any mods as I'm headed to college in the fall and I'm just looking for a reliable vehicle.

In a nutshell:

-some pullys need replaced because they're rusty
-leaks gas when there is more than half a tank
-thermostat seems to be stuck open(it doesn't ever seem to get even close to 180 degrees F)
-needs a tuneup

I was having some trouble searching for an online owner's manual so if anyone could give me a link that'd be very appreciated.

I was thinking about picking up a bottle of seafoam. It did wonders when I did a tuneup on a 91 cherokee so I thought to get some opinions about it on the corolla. I know some people love it, and I know some people hate it. I just mix about a third of the bottle in with the oil, and then about another third in the gas tank. I don't know if I'll do it with the tank this time because Im not exactly sure where the leak is at yet.

Also what kindof plugs does everyone recommend? I've heard some cars don't handle premium plugs too well and I know some cars do benefit from them. Just wondering where the corolla stands.

Any other suggestions what to look for or tips on things to do would be appreciated. Thanks.

[zythr]

Originally Posted by sethmo64

Hey everyone, just bought a 93 corolla with 79k miles, runs good but it's old and it has it's little nicks and dings. It has an auto tranny and I'm not really looking to do any mods as I'm headed to college in the fall and I'm just looking for a reliable vehicle.

In a nutshell:

-some pullys need replaced because they're rusty
-leaks gas when there is more than half a tank
-thermostat seems to be stuck open(it doesn't ever seem to get even close to 180 degrees F)
-needs a tuneup

I was having some trouble searching for an online owner's manual so if anyone could give me a link that'd be very appreciated.

I was thinking about picking up a bottle of seafoam. It did wonders when I did a tuneup on a 91 cherokee so I thought to get some opinions about it on the corolla. I know some people love it, and I know some people hate it. I just mix about a third of the bottle in with the oil, and then about another third in the gas tank. I don't know if I'll do it with the tank this time because Im not exactly sure where the leak is at yet.

Also what kindof plugs does everyone recommend? I've heard some cars don't handle premium plugs too well and I know some cars do benefit from them. Just wondering where the corolla stands.

Any other suggestions what to look for or tips on things to do would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hey. I would suggest taking care of the leaking gas first, since there is the potential for that to become really serious and go from there. What pulleys are you talking about being rusty?

[sethmo64]

Yeah I'm taking a closer look at that tonight. I think it's either the piping from the fuel cap to the tank or there might be a tiny crack in the tank. It's just a little drip right now so I'm hoping some jb weld is all I need.

And it's the power steering pump pully I'm noticing that has a little wobbly/rust issue. I was getting a replacement interior door handle today at the junkyard and noticed the one on that corolla didn't look to bad so I'm probably going back tomorrow for it.

[cipher93]

Most common issue that lead to fuel leaks is the filler neck and fuel lines. If the fuel lines are rusty get the brake lines done at the same time. Look at new belts (AC, power steering, alternator/water pump), plug wires/dist. cap/rotor/plugs. For plugs I used Denso Platinum Twin-tip and they are really nice plugs. I've had good luck with Seafoam as have others, and despite the low miles the age suggests it could use it.

[sethmo64]

Originally Posted by CJRocker

Most common issue that lead to fuel leaks is the filler neck and fuel lines. If the fuel lines are rusty get the brake lines done at the same time. Look at new belts (AC, power steering, alternator/water pump), plug wires/dist. cap/rotor/plugs. For plugs I used Denso Platinum Twin-tip and they are really nice plugs. I've had good luck with Seafoam as have others, and despite the low miles the age suggests it could use it.

Thanks I'll check the lines out too didn't think about those. I noticed it drips right around the cap area though so I'm guessing it's the neck.

I noticed a random hose today that was only connected to the coolant lid so I'll snap a picture of that because I still haven't figured out where it goes. My only guess so far is the thermostat(and that could be the issue) but I have to take off the distributor to get a better look cause I couldn't see it at the moment.

I'll definitely look into the plugs you suggested as well. I didn't grab the seafoam today but it did sound a bit better after the oil change. I noticed whoever did one last had put on the wrong oil filter on it ha. I don't know how that affected/effects it but I notice a little difference now.

[ganda1f]

Originally Posted by sethmo64

I noticed a random hose today that was only connected to the coolant lid so I'll snap a picture of that because I still haven't figured out where it goes. My only guess so far is the thermostat(and that could be the issue) but I have to take off the distributor to get a better look cause I couldn't see it at the moment.

If you refer to the hose going from coolant overflow bottle, that is how it is supposed to be. One hose (about 1 inch in diameter) goint from radiator cap (the neck actually) to overflow bottle, and then one from overflow bottle cap down to nothing.

[sethmo64]

Originally Posted by ganda1f

If you refer to the hose going from coolant overflow bottle, that is how it is supposed to be. One hose (about 1 inch in diameter) goint from radiator cap (the neck actually) to overflow bottle, and then one from overflow bottle cap down to nothing.

Oh okay, thanks.