Hey guys, new to the site, I'm thanking everyone ahead of time.
So, I have the '89 Corolla SR5 (4A-F, Carbureted). It's been running mighty bad for at least 6 months. It has a hard time starting right away. Usually 5 cranks/stalls and it will run okay after that. Usually just after pressing the accelerator it seems to hesitate for a second before running at an optimum level. I chalked this problem up to two things (since I had replaced the plugs and distributor cap and rotor about 8-9 months ago).
#1 Fuel Filter was clogged.
#2 The power steering belt was squeaking and the other two were in need of replacement.
#3 A bad sensor
#4 A carb in need of rebuilding or replacement.
Today, my initial (and cheapest) response was to replace the fuel filter (it was thoroughly filled with sediment and was a good buy) and the plugs. Well, before I replaced the plugs, I decided to spray the carb with some carb cleaner. I followed the directions and sprayed some cleaner in the butterfly as well as in these two metal tubes.
Well, the result was probably a lot of gunk removed. I also added a fuel additive to burn off any carburetor junk. Driving to work, I noticed a loss of power and the car acted as if it was running of off only two plugs. It even sounded like it was somewhat backfiring as well. So, I assumed that I fouled out two plugs with the carb cleaner and the junk that could accumulate on the plugs after this cleaning. I changed all four plugs and all four were not in the best shape, and a few looked to be fouled out.
So, today, I replaced all four plugs, added a new air filter, oil change, and changed all three belts (power steering, alternator and water pump) since the power steering one was squeaking and all three were worn and cracked. I figured, the belts were bad and that a improperly rotating alternator belt or any belts could result in lost power and engine efficiency.
So, I'm at a loss. My only other guess is that by flooding the engine with my carb cleaner, I shorted the O2 sensor(s) and now the engine won't run the correct air/fuel mixture. Please remember, that the most MAJOR loss of power happened only after I sprayed the carb with the cleaner today. Wierd situation, I know.
I'm going to try to check the plugs tomorrow and see if any excess junk that came through the carb fouled the 4 new plugs and replace them if needed. Otherwise, I need to figure out this problem before spending $50 on a new O2 sensor or any further part.
Stevo
Last edited by Craziestevie; 08-15-2006 at 10:38 PM.
I'm not sure if the 4AF even has an O2 sensor, my old carbed civic didn't have an O2 sensor or a catalytic converter either, I'm assuming most carburated cars won't have them but you never know.
If you rebuild the carb, please take pictures (Using a digital camera) of all the carb parts. and post them.. I have small pin that was left after I rebuilt my carb. I can't figure out where it went.. it is about the size of a AA battery. .. 1989 Corolla.
I've replaced the O2 sensor. I have a pic of that, as it was one of the first cars to have one. It was totally shot. It ran better for a few minutes (that could be attributed to new plugs also) and then went back to what it's been.
It will run like crap all the way up until 4000 RPM and then it seems to go back to normal. Upshift and go back under 4000, and it runs like crap again.
By the looks of the spark plugs, it's running very very lean. The plugs look like they've overheated. Leading me to believe it's not getting enough fuel causing the plugs to constantly spark without fuel to burn.
Any other suggestions?? Next is a diagnostic test and then a carb rebuild kit....
The most basic tests would be to check the timing and do a compression test. You could also double check for spark by putting the inductive pickup of the timing light on each plug wire. How many miles do you have on the engine? Knock on wood, my 89 DX is still driving me to work and back after 260,000 miles.
Yes, check your timing for sure. From what is sounds like, everything you changed was shit/shot. So why not do a full tune up to start with. It definately sounds like you have a vacuum leak, and a vacuum advance problem. I normally dont recommend this but maybe try an engine flush too. Especially if your on a budget. Its pretty cheap, but if you do this get a quality flush like Amsoil. Sounds like your corolla got rode pretty hard in the past with no TLC. Start with that stuff but for sure check the vacuum lines. Its very cheap to buy a roll of hose and replace it yourself.
Actually, the day this problem started was the day that I did an engine flush (before my oil change), and a tune up as well as replace the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning belts.
Here's the work I did:
1. 4 New Platinum Spark Plugs 2. Sprayed carb cleaner into the butterflies while the engine wasn't running (noticed alot of gunk)
Then I drove to my friend's house (he has a garage, I live in an apartment). I noticed the engine was running as though one or more of the plugs were fouled. I figured the carb cleaner could have done that by either removing enough gunk that it ruined the plug or there was too much cleaner and it fouled out.
3. We started with the 3 belts as they would take the longest.
4. Then the front passenger headlight was replaced.
5. Put an engine oil flush in and allowed it to sit per the instructions (I think I had to get the engine to normal operating temp first).
6. Oil change
7. Four new platinum plugs.
So, thankfully, I can cross those off the list. Thanks for the suggestions. I truly think it's a vacuum problem too and have started checking on that. Something is not allowing the flow of fuel into my intake. My guess is to take aim at the carb and all the vacuum hoses around it.
So, I guess I'm in range. That was actually good to know, because sometimes auto parts store computers can be wrong or they don't ask the correct engine type. Considering the Corolla had 4 engine types from '84-'92.
Last edited by Craziestevie; 09-27-2006 at 12:09 PM.
Yeah, I started with Platinum, because a guy @ Advanced Auto said they were recommended. But, since this has been an occurence where I'm spending about $8 every week or so on plugs (after I try something else), I've relegated my plug options to just the basics. And at Napa, that appears to be Champions or Autolites.
Forget napa and get some densos from toyota. Seriously, if you're spending 8 bucks on plugs weekly, its crazy. heck plugs should last atleast 30,000km if you're running an NA engine.
You did too many things at one time. The engine flush & oil change should have been done together. Then work on one or two things together. I would check my plugs for now and see if they are fouled out first. I would buy some cheap denso or copper ngk plugs for now. Did you get a lot of junk out from the flush? Make sure your firing order is correct. Next time spray a little less carb cleaner or have someone in the car keeping steady rpms going, especially since you were going to flush it anyway. I would make sure my plugs were dry or swapped out and before I did anything else, I would start it and see how it runs.
Good Luck
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