'91 Corolla weird engine cutting out problem

[Cloudane]

Howdy

I have a 1991 Corolla (Automatic), old I know but it works - generally

It's got this bizarre problem, and I thought rather than taking it to the mechanic over and over trying different things (and costing a fortune) I'd try asking here first in case anyone has some inspiration or has heard of this before

Once in a while, say once a month or so, I'll have been driving for about 2-5 minutes then the engine will cut out. It then won't start again - the starter motor spins as normal but the engine won't kick at all. Perfectly good battery, about 6 months old. Spark plugs are in ok condition. Detatching the hose from the fuel filter (I think, mounted on a bracket at the back) results in fuel squirting out as expected so it appears to be getting fuel that far at least.

About 30-40 minutes later it starts as if nothing had ever happened. It does this without fail and it's always after about 30 to 40 minutes.

This has happened countless times, but seemingly only when it's been driven somewhere, stopped for a short while (say half an hour) then set off again. I can drive it to work and back (approx 12 miles each way) month after month and never have a problem - it's when going somewhere shortly after arriving home (when the car's still warm I guess) that the problem tends to occur.

Every car boffin I've spoken to has said "hmm how odd, I've never heard of that before!"

It's been overheated by its previous owner and fixed, if that has any meaning. It apparently never used to do this, but if the two are connected or not I don't know. Either way it's not overheating or losing water when the problem arises.

Any clues appreciated!

[tashirosgt]

I've had a similar problem with my 1990/AT. But it never died while driving. I would drive a short distance , park at a restaurant, eat dinner and when I came out it would refuse to start. This always seemed to happen when it was warm and I had a full tank of gas. I tried various tests and remedies. But now that gas is so expensive, I am too cheap to fill it up and the problem has stopped. Like yours, if it sat awhile, it would easily restart.

I suggest trying simple things first. Clean your battery terminals. You can have enough juice to turn the starter but not enough to get a good spark. Check that your gas cap is good. It will be a hard problem to diagnose if it is intermittent. By the time you test for fuel pressure and spark, it might have gotten ready to work again. When it stalls try very quick tests. Have a plug handy, disconnect the plug wires and hook them to the plug. See if the plug sparks. Feel the fuel hose for pressure. If you have a friend who can crank it put a length of dowel or broom handle up to the injectors and listen to them. They make a very distinct sound when they fire.

[Cloudane]

Thanks. Good to know I'm not the only one to have had something like this anyway!

It's a carbourettor type btw.

I'll try the obvious as I haven't done so yet - new plugs, leads, filter etc. Seems a bit too "special" a problem for a generic solution but it's worth a shot...

[Flashmn]

If the ignition module is going out, the symptoms are similar.

[01FIERA]

Could also be a relay getting stuck. My old Bimmer also had a problem similar to this. When it happend, id tap the fuel pump relay slightly crank it up and it started. Not that it could be a relay,but check to make sure. My friend's civic did the same thing with the fuel pump relay.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

id say take a look at the ignition module, and ignition system

[Cloudane]

Ello, been a while

Oddly enough I haven't done any of the suggestions because it behaved while I was waiting to be paid and then behaved all through summer (whether that's a coincidence or not, I don't know.)

Well, last week for the first time in months it went back to its old ways and cut out for about 25 mins. After trying every 5 mins or so - eventually, brumm, off it went, no probs.

Tonight it does it again coming home from the chippy. "Sod this" I say and go for a light pint in the nearest pub whilst waiting the obligatory 25 minutes - leaving the key in the ignition before locking the door - to cut a long story short, after much cursing and an hour later I was back in the car and the bugger still wouldn't start!

30-40 minutes of trying, one last turn (no good), time to call the RAC. But first I go to open the bonnet so I can take my frustration out on the carborettor, it's now dark so I'm fumbling around, and what do I find near the bonnet release lever... what looks like a custom-installed toggle switch! I flick it towards me, turn the key and brumm, off it goes. From "turning normally but not even thinking of kicking" to "starting without any hesitation whatsoever" in the flick of a switch.

Coincidence? Nope. Got home and pulled up outside, and out of interest, instead of knocking the ignition off I flicked the switch. Engine cut out. Wouldn't start. Flicked it back, started straight away. Repeat twice for good measure. The switch is the guilty party.

Explain that!! As far as I know I've never touched that switch, and it's not exactly easy to knock it whilst driving either. So what the hell does it do? Answers on a postcard!

I don't know if I've somehow knocked it and it's a separate cutout issue, I don't think so as I would've noticed. It was its usual behaviour, cutting out about 200-300 yards down the road after parking up and going again.

I've also noticed that it only seems to do this when it's quite low on fuel. Again whether that's a coincidence or not, I have no idea.

[diver9000]

Now thats the most sure fire test I've seen yet. I wish all could be diagnosed that easily.

[silkydraws]

I've always wanted to learn English

[diver9000]

Originally Posted by Cloudane

Ello, been a while

I've also noticed that it only seems to do this when it's quite low on fuel. Again whether that's a coincidence or not, I have no idea.

So dont let it get low on fuel.

[Cloudane]

Helpful lot you are these days

[silkydraws]

Oh, sorry I thought you considered it fixed. I would imagine some previous owner contrapted a switch to let (presumably a thief) get down the road before the vehicle died. Cruel, but completly believible. I'd trace it back and get rid of it. It's NOT factory, right? Unless you want to torment the NEXT owner, I say get rid of it.

[Cloudane]

Yeah

I'm still not sure if it's a separate issue as I simply can't seem to start it with that switch enabled now (when previously it's only died once in a blue moon)

I guess there isn't much answer you can give though other than to trace it, considering it's not standard. Cheers anyway.

[diver9000]

[quote from Cloudane] Helpful lot you are these days

North American humor... you've gotta love it. You can order a factory ignition switch with a new key assembly and work with it from there. Its an option.

Good Luck