Rough idling - Toyota Corolla 1991

1991 TOYOTA COROLLA

ESPRI

MEMBER
9 POSTS
FOLLOW

Hi

Hope that someone will respond. My car recently had a leak on the cylinder head (water flooded the no.1 piston) and it had to have the gasket replaced. When the engine is cold, it will start - the choke will kick in. However after a few minutes it will start to idle rough and stalls if foot is taken off the accelerator. Then it will refuse to start (sounding as if the battery is dead). Both my starter and battery are new (less than 3 mths old).
Any idea what the problem could be?

[img:d695b18989]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/100987_car_1.jpg[/img:d695b18989]

Oct 31, 2007 at 5:43 AM

MMPRINCE4000

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
8,548 POSTS

I would first check all the battery/chassis grounds to make sure they are clean and tight.
Usually the intake manifold is removed, so check all the sensor connections on the intake manifold and the thermostat housing to make sure they are tight and look for broken connectors.
You could also run a compression test on all cylinders, but I think they probably forgot/broke a sensor or connector.
I just changed a head gasket on my 91. I hope you had them change the valve seals, because you also have to remove the camshafts to replace the seals.

Oct 31, 2007 at 7:45 AM

ESPRI

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Hi thanks for the response.

I finally had engine reconned but now there appears to be a leak on the inlet manifold gasket. I had the engineers test the compression levels etc and all was A-OK. There is however a blow on the inlet manifold altho the gasket was replaced there. Probably not tightened enough or a cracked gasket. Will have to strip it this weekend to be sure.

Dec 4, 2007 at 5:05 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.