new sr5 owner! woot! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

lovely10 · 06-06-2009, 01:19 AM

hey guys just wanted to introduce myself and say that i just picked up a 5 speed 1990 corolla sr5 coupe. it is all stock with no modifications. it is my first toyota also :] but i had a couple questions and one problem:/

what is the base idle when the engine is warm? mine is about 600ish RPM
and if thats not the correct idle, how do i adjust it?

...actually thats the only questions i have lol.

and my problem is: at idle, the engine sound isnt a smooth steady sound. its like a chop/chop/chop kind of sound (not literally "chop" but the engine sound is choppy lol). and at idle, at a stop, in neutral, when i turn my steering wheel left and right, my idle goes up. like from 600 -> 1000ish. is that cuz of the power steering belt? and once in a while it sounds like something is hitting the hood from underneath, like a rattling? argh

not too familiar with toyotas yet but i am willing to learn!!

so please if you guys could help me out, thanks in advance!

Rookie_One · 06-06-2009, 03:54 AM

supposed to be about 700-800 RPM

check your timing

and for the Idle going up when you turn the wheel, its called an idle switch son

lovely10 · 06-06-2009, 04:03 AM

thanks,

so do you mean that my idle switch is bad? or is that how its supposed to be?...but where can i get an idle switch? i tried searching but only found an Idle Control Vale, unless thats the same thing. and how/where do i replace it?

and to adjust my idle, do these engines have a tps that i need to disconnect before i mess around with the idle screw?

90 GP · 06-06-2009, 07:24 AM

For your rough running check/replace spark plugs/ distributor cap and rotor/ spark plug wires and all vac lines for leaks. Your engine elevates the idle speed to compensate for any load put on it such as turning wheel, rear window defroster etc. so the raised idle is normal.The rattle could be simply the hood prop rod moving around due to broken retainer snap clip.

lovely10 · 06-06-2009, 12:49 PM

thanks too! since i just picked it up, i will be doing a basic tune up. i keep forgetting to never underestimate the power of a tune up lol. thanks guys!