1989 Toyota Tercel Code 71

ZAKTERCEL

MEMBER
1989 TOYOTA TERCEL
1.5L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
220,000 MILES

Recently had engine rebuilt and rebuilt carburetor was installed as well due to old carb settings stuck and wouldn't pass smog. All done by a mechanic, not myself. Immediately started getting a code 71. Mechanic thought it was bad EGR temp sensor and replaced it with a used one. Still getting the code. Also, doesn't start right up. Need to crank a few times and push the gas multiple times. I bought a vacuum pump to do some testing, but not sure where to start. Also, I smell gas when I get out of the car, if that helps anyone.

Any suggestions? I don't have a lot of car experience, but am good at following directions!

7 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

I t may need the float level set as it may be to high or the float if made of plastic may be sinking in float bowl. Check for a vacuum leak like a hose going to egr or any hose split/cracked etc. Do that first.

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Friday, December 5th, 2014 AT 3:00 PM

ZAKTERCEL

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9 POSTS

Thanks HMAC. I will start there. Do you have a recommended way of doing that? Are you referring to a visual inspection? Like I said, I have a vacuum pump, but don't know if that is the best way to test.

Thanks!

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Friday, December 5th, 2014 AT 9:44 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check visually first then feel for soft/ and maybe spray some choke cleaner around that system. It cold also be a bad switch or the egr may have junk in it and staying open.

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Saturday, December 6th, 2014 AT 5:48 AM

ZAKTERCEL

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9 POSTS

Hey HMAC (and anyone else reading.) -

I have some updates. Got a new carburetor and fuel pump and changed the O2 sensor. Was running great, but gas mileage still sucked. Smogged it and found that it was really rich and cat converter was not functioning. Adjusted the mixture screw and replaced cat converter. Passed smog with flying colors, but now is popping out the muffler on deceleration and gas mileage is still terrible, maybe worse (a little too soon to tell), whereas I thought I would see a dramatic improvement. Spark plugs have been changed recently and other than these two issues, it is running great.

I would really appreciate any thoughts.

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Thursday, March 26th, 2015 AT 9:50 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Popping out the muffler can be a few different things check the compression. It may be aburnt valve which would cause bad fuel mileage. Also driving conditions and it may also be a vacuum leak.