1995 Toyota Tercel
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I have this 95 Tercel with quite some mileage but was running perfectly before ... this!! First I thought rain / humidity didn't help but same problem after 2 hot sunny days. I need to hit the gas pedal once or twice to get the motor going. Idle the motor just dies but If accelerating the motor runs fine but you can smell the gas burning up and a smoke build out the exhaust.

I was told the Oxygen Sensor was defective which I plan to replace but any other ideas? The car was parked for 2-3 months, was running fine before but now this problem is persistent.

I would check the fuel pressure regulator and also check the idle air control valve. amongst other small things like pcv valve,and air filter/breather.

http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm

Does the Os2 sensor have anything to do with it?? It was brought to a mechanic before it got parked and the mechanic confirmed an Os2 was needed. The lady didnt mind fixing it and bought a new car.

Weird thing is that I went one mornning and test drive the car, everything was fine ... went back during the evening to pick it up and the car was running bad on idle and burning gas

Also, would a basic tune up help? Plugs, cables etc ...

well a o2 could have a lot to do with it it is the sensor that tells the computer if your running rich or lean, also it helps determine operating temperature

OK so here's an update. Testing many things like changing plugs, wires etc ... disconnected the exhaust from the motor to see if the catalytic was blocked and none of that worked.

When I disconnected the PCV Valve the motor started to run perfectly ... does that mean the valve is defective or is it a sign that something else is defective elsewhere?

But ... there's always a BUT right? PCV valve disconnected, motor runs fine but there's a big cloud of white smoke ... Head gasket? What's involved in changing a head gasket?

change that pcv its no good, and yeah it could mean a bad gasket because of the white smoke. that clogged pcv could have cause whatever vacuum or oil leaks you have (if any) right now . because its use to release gas build up and if its clogged it cant be released and will try to find the weakest way it can to release itself, and that usually is one of the gaskets. change the pcv and air filter(if dirty) and let me know what happens with the smoke

will do ... that PCV valve alone won't fix the white smoke will it??

will update shortly - this site is really amazing

theres a slight possibility, only because its been blocked for so long, it may be getting rid of condensation, lets hope for the best.