Greetings from Edmonton, Canada. Hey all, I hope to become a viable participant within this forum. I bought a 1982 Tercel SR5 recently and have discovered that although it is in very good condition, there are some issues that I need to resolve. One, the fuel mileage is not what it should be. I'm averaging 23-25 mpg in the city and, if and only if, I drive at speeds not exceeding 100 kmph, I can get as much as 29 mpg. Second, the temperature lingers above the 50% mark, often running close to the 75% mark. Is it the thermostat? I bought a new one a few days ago, just haven't had the time to install it. Third and probably related to the bed fuel mileage issue, sometimes when it idles and always when it starts there is a strong smell of unburned fuel. Fourth and possibly last, there is engine knock, almost as if one cylinder isn't firing properly. I am open to any ideas that any of you have that I can consider to get my new baby running happily. This is my main set of wheels since I can't ride my motorcyle year round. I bought the car for basic transportation: the bike is for when I need to get my speed yahoos off.

Rob

I took my Terc to the garage for all those seemingly minor problem that it was having. Turns out that the overheating problem was in part caused by exhaust gases that were leaking into the cooling system. The gases were coming from a partly blown head gasket that leaked the gases into the cooling system but not into the oil. That explained what I saw when I removed the rad cap and saw low coolant despite the fact that the coolant reservoir was full to the top. The mech tested the heads for cracks and found that they were warped but no cracks. The heads were machined smooth. New thermostat installation discovered air in the coolant - that is how they realized that the head gasket was leaking. Interestingly, compression tests indicated 3 cylinder pressures of 155-165, which is normal but the fourth was 20% low - I bet that is where the leak was in the gasket. It should all be repaired by mid-week next week, after the Sept long weekend. The mech is also taking a cursory look at the carb to make sure all connections are good. Part of the fuel consumption issue was pitted points so they have been replaced. Guess I'll have a nice little car when all is repaired. Gonna get the minor rust issues repaired next. I bought the car with only 135 000 kms on it. This car is going to be with me for a long time. I'll post and let you know what kind of mileage I get once I get it back and how it runs.

hey dude.. I just left edmonton....I live and work on vancouver now.

Welcome to the forum. There are not too many of us first gens around anymore.