Just bought my 1st AE86 and it won't start?

[toyloco]

As stated in the title, I just bought this car. It is an 86 SR5 coupe (The one with a truck).

Now I bought it knowing it wouldn't start. I planned on swapping out the 4A for a 4AGE or 4AGZE. But I am still curious why this won't start.

I poured a little gas down the carb and that did do anything. Not even a mis-fire.

I removed the Timing belt cover to inspect the belt. It was nice and tight.

So, I suspect the Distributor? Is this a common failure problem? Or what might be a common failure problem?

I know you are wondering why give a $&#% and just pull the motor and do the swap....Well I just want to drive it until I have the other motor and harness ready. You know learn the car and the way it drives now so if it has other issues I don't discover them after dropping a chunk of change into the car.

Any advise or tips on what to check for would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[punter]

Engines need FACTS to run, that is

Fuel
Air
Compression
Timing
Spark

Just check through each one and you should find your problem.


Or you could just forget it and drop a 4age in there

[REN69]

Does the starter even crank?? or does it just click?? probably the battery OR starter are dead.

BTW, what did you mean by.. "The one with a truck"

[punter]

Originally Posted by REN69

Does the starter even crank?? or does it just click?? probably the battery OR starter are dead.

BTW, what did you mean by.. "The one with a truck"

Hmm, I assumed it was turning over. Why would you tip petrol in it if it wasn't?

And I think he means a notchback?

[AVANT]

He means he got the Coupe :p Coupe have trunks, hatchbacks have a liftgate. He was trying to make sure we knew what a coupe was. You guys over thinking it ;p

But yeah, more info would be helpful.

[toyloco]

Sorry, As I said this was my first AE86. I have only had an 88 tercel and 85 Celica before this. Also Yes, it is the notchback not the liftgate. Thank you Avant for helping me with that.

Ok, It does turn over with no major hesitation and I think I can hear it have compression?? As I have placed a Heavy used Battery on the Clutch petal to be able to reach in the window and turn the key to sort of watch what happens under the hood.

It has plenty of oil and coolant. So I don't think it is the Head gasket or lack of compression do to a head issue.

I think it is spark and until I can get someone over here to help me by turning the key as I hold the spark plug wire near the tip of the spark plug to hear the SNAP of a spark arching... I am sort of stuck for now.

I appreciate all the help guys, I really do. Thanks again.

[Fineprint]

Hmmm. Well ive had 6 ae86 but they werent sr5's. It sounds like a spark problem. Or maybe if has been siting for a while, sometimes mine does that if i dont start it for a week, it could be popped started in 2nd gear. Hope its nothing serious. But its not like these cars are hard to work on. Good Luck




"Power is nothing without control"

[REN69]

Originally Posted by punter

Hmm, I assumed it was turning over. Why would you tip petrol in it if it wasn't?

And I think he means a notchback?

OH the one with a "TRUNK" he means a coupe.

I'm guessing it could be flooded if in fact the starter does crank, he could try the pencil/stick trick to keep the carb butterfly open while he tries to start it, oldest trick in the world.

[toyloco]

Well, I got it to run. It was the Distributor and since this car sat for more than 5 years the Gas was bad plus the Fuel pump did seem to want to work. But I did get it running. Knocks like a Beast and Oil is spraying out somewhere around the Sending unit/lower alt Bracket area?? .

So Now I know why it was parked. So out will come the POS 4A and in will go the 20V ST.

Anyone need a boat anchor??

Thanks

[REN69]

boat anchor..

Good luck with the new project.. why did you bother making it run if you were gonna put a 20V in??

[drift_ae86_91]

good luck with the project, yeah no wonder it was sold

and why wouldnt you bother tryin to get it running before you swapped in the 20v ren? Like its probably better to get it running just in case you end up not getting the engine right away and being stranded...