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1995 Toyota Tercel Idle problem

Tiny
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  • 1995 TOYOTA TERCEL
1995 Toyota Tercel

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.
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 AT 10:35 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
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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.
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 AT 10:49 PM
Tiny
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https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 AT 10:50 PM
Tiny
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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
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
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Also, would a basic tune up help? Plugs, cables etc.
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
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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
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
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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?
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
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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
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
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Will do. That PCV valve alone won't fix the white smoke will it?

Will update shortly - this site is really amazing
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
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Theres a slight possibility, only because its been blocked for so long, it may be getting rid of condensation, lets hope for the best.
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
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Did you notice any funny color in your oil or droplets of water?
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
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Nop. Oil is still clear.

Will change the valve and let the car run a little to see if smoke clears away!

Adding some kind of treatment such as sea Foam, would that help?
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
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No, lets just see if we can burn off the condensation
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Friday, July 4th, 2008 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
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K just got back from cottage, changed the valve and to my surprise the smoke dropped 80%. Still some coming out that I should fix as it would most likely annoy other drivers ;-)

I've let the car run for 10 minutes and no change. At first there was no smoke at all but as the car was getting hotter smoke started coming out. When I hit the gas pedal more smoke come out.

Should I hit the road and see if it goes away completely (condensation). Color is hard to figure out most of time it's white/ grey but seems like some blue puffs coming out from time to time. Same for the smell I cant tell if it smell oil or coolant

What should be my next step guys? Should I treat the motor with something?
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Sunday, July 6th, 2008 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
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Yeah I would, also one of the guys told me to check the mass airflow sensor too
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Sunday, July 6th, 2008 AT 10:07 PM

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