Problem: 89' Celica GT acceleration issues among other things

[Tenacioust]

I have been having quite and interesting problem with my Celica for some time now. Before I get started I have recently had a tune up, the fuel line, pump, and injectors checked to make sure everything is fine; also the air intake boot was replaced which was the first attempt at fixing this problem.

Anyway, what is happening is basically it started to drop my rpms and get really sluggish when attempting to accelerate. On occasion it would even die when attempting to accelerate. Then it begin to have rough idling and take some time to get started. I believe all of these troubles are interconnected and related to the fuel system.

Could this be a problem with the fuel injector sensors, the computer, or something else entirely? This problem has stumped mechanics and myself. Interesting as well is the fact if I use Heet or a fuel system cleaner the car will run fine for awhile. In addition, sometimes the car runs fine to begin with and other times it acts up.

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

[Doctor J]

With a problem like this I'll start to check, if there are any trouble codes stored in the comp. memory. Also shake wires to sensors and note if there is any effect on idle speed quality.

[alltracman78]

What did the tuneup consist of?
Have you replaced the fuel filter?
Was the O2 sensor replaced?

If fuel cleaner works temporarily, you might want to try getting a good cleaning of the inside of the engine.
You can find a good shop with a professional cleaner, like BG.
You could also try Seafoam. You should be able to get it at most auto stores.
http://www.seafoamsales.com/products.htm

The Seafoam is alot cheaper, and I suggest you run like 3 or 4 cans through [not at once, give it a day or two in between] to blast out the crap in the engine. Use the whole can in the intake.

Something else that will clean the inside of your engine is steam.
You can try a very fine mist into the engine [take out the air filter and spray in there], but it will take ALOT to do.

Codes and wiggling wires will possibly help in pinpointing also.
You can get the codes by jumping the TE1 and the E1 terminals in the diagnostics box [should be a small plastic box by the brake master cyl].
The CEL [check engine light] will flash. If it flashes evenly, there are no codes.
If it flashes in a number sequence [ie 3 flashes, space, then 4 flashes will be 34] you will have a stored code.
There can be more than one code stored at a time.

[Tenacioust]

Thanks for the remarks and the O2 sensor has not been replaced yet. I will definitely check out the computer when I get a chance. I think I might look into the seafoam as well. The tuneup was just a general tune up replacing spark plugs, distributor cap, etc. The fuel filter has been replaced as well about a week ago.

Once again thanks for the advice, hopefully I will have my problem fixed soon.

[Doctor J]

You can also check condition of the feedback system, O2 sensor, and mixture quality by attaching digital voltmeter pos. probe to Vf and neg. probe to E1 terminals in the diagnostic box. For more info. refer to Autoshop 101.com technical articles by K.Sullivan, about Electronic injector controls / fuel trim.