couple questions AE92

[TyzToyz]

Hello all,
Had the car a little over a month now and slowly learning things as I go, but have a few questions for ya'll.
1990 Corolla GT-S (4A-GE):
- Is this an "interference" engine?
- The hose that goes into the intake tube between the throttle body and the MAF, is it critical or can I plug it?
- Do these cars typically leak in the trunk, and if so, where is the obvious spot water enters? (Tail lights, spoiler???)
- Timing belt kits. Where do you get them? Stealership, on-line (e-bay), local part stores, any preferred vendors? Is it recommended doing water pump, idlers, seals at the same time?
- My car has A/C but blows warm, what are the chances it has R134 in it?

Well, I guess that is enough questions for now. Thanks for any and all help!

Tye

[SCT]

Originally Posted by TyzToyz

- Is this an "interference" engine?

Nope, it is a Non-Interference engine. So, if the timing belt snaps, you're OK! Happend to me once.

Originally Posted by TyzToyz

- The hose that goes into the intake tube between the throttle body and the MAF, is it critical or can I plug it?

If it's there, it has a purpose.... I'm not experience with the 4AGE, as much yet, so I honestly don't know...

Originally Posted by TyzToyz

- Do these cars typically leak in the trunk, and if so, where is the obvious spot water enters? (Tail lights, spoiler???)

Not that I know of. The rear windshield, the tail lights are sealed with butyl. The spoiler has a gasket on the mating surface. So unless the seal has been broken from prior removals and not appropriately replaced, I don't think there's any obvious leaks.

Originally Posted by TyzToyz

- Timing belt kits. Where do you get them? Stealership, on-line (e-bay), local part stores, any preferred vendors? Is it recommended doing water pump, idlers, seals at the same time?

Mostly local auto part stores. Some may have kits, some don't. Timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, front seal; change them altogether. That way, if they go, you don't have to waste timing removing the belt and having to reinstall it.

Originally Posted by TyzToyz

- My car has A/C but blows warm, what are the chances it has R134 in it?

Unlikely, IMO. But you can buy retrofit kits for the thing which is basically just R12-to-R134A adapters for a few bucks. Suck out the R12 and its oil, evacuate, then input R134A and PAG oil. Preferably, have a shop do it if you don't have an A/C machine. It's also suggested you get the o-rings replaced. My AE92 never had the o-rings changed, runs cold and fine.

[Createdtoburn]

Actually if you wanna know if your trunk leaks, make sure its totally dry then close it and spray water everywhere. You'll find any leaks that way. For me it actually is leaking under the trunks weatherstripping, found a little minor rust hole and bondod it up. Fixed it. :p

[Createdtoburn]

And yeah, unlike Honda, our engines dont have those timing belt problems. Even on my 92 Celica when the belt went, engine was totally fine after replacing.

[ae924af]

The trunks normally will leak in 2 places. The lights although are sealed with butyl, when they are removed and put back on people will put foam in there or other junk and not seal it back up. This will give and water will drip down into the base of the trunk. The other place is on either side of the trunk there are 2 seams on either side where the metal meet. Water will crawl through at those points and leak into the trunk. If you open your trunk and look on the inside of where the trunk would normally sit you can see if there are any rust. to test clean it out and then have someone sit in the back with a flashlight and then close it and spray the back windshield with water not the trunk. By spraying the rear windshield with water your watching to see where it comes in not where it comes in when you force water into it. Hope it helps

[SuLLiVaN88]

Originally Posted by TyzToyz

- The hose that goes into the intake tube between the throttle body and the MAF, is it critical or can I plug it?
Tye

.

thats a vacuum line im not sure for what, ill have to look into it, but im sure it has a purpose lol

[REN69]

YES coupes are known for leaky tail lights...

[ae924af]

Originally Posted by REN69

YES coupes are known for leaky tail lights...

It really sucks. I am currently fixing mine cause I finally found out about it.

[Createdtoburn]

Yeah it's been raining hard lately and I looked in my trunk today to find that my trunk was soaked O_o. Sucks. Now I gotta figure out where its leaking. hah

[TyzToyz]

Thanks for all the replies! I was digging around online and found a useful link that I thought I'd post (Mods, remove if inappropriate):
http://www.ae92gts.com/ae92gts_quirks.html
While searching about the intake vacuum hose I stumbled upon his CAI he made, so I think he's a member of TN.
I have been driving the car for 2 days with that vacuum line plugged and so far no ill effects.
I tore all the carpet out of the trunk and sealed everything I could find that may potentially leak including the tail lights. Now I just have to wait till it rains/snows to see if it is going to stay dry.
The A/C will wait until spring and the timing belt will have to be done later when I get the funds saved up.
I just replaced the accessory belts last night and the front of the engine is covered in filth. It's seeping oil and coolant up there, so I guess I'll replace everything while I'm in there.
Thanks Again,

Tye