I'd like to say hi first of all, it's nice to be around people who know a good car when they see one

I'm a proud driver of a 1990 EE90 XL 1.3 (my dad's car, bought it new) and I joined this forum cause i'm looking for some general usefull advice on maintenence and repair. I'm an "enthusiastic" driver (with a bit of a temper, to say the least) but I love my car too much to attempt any performance tuning, reliability is paramount. I'd like to keep it as original as possible, but still give it some more sting in its tail!

It has a declared 75 hp (maybe back in 1990), but lately it feels more like 40, it's unbeliveably slow. Even more worryingly, it handles like it's drunk half the time (this occured during the last year or so), it's very soft and wooly, the steering has quite some play to it, it's very unlike its zippy, nimble old self. Think it might be the bushes (never changed, nor the springs, nor the front dampers). How does that sound to you?

Also i'd like to ask if you would recommend me fiddling with repairs on my own, I have an affinity towards techno stuff, and i'd really like to try, but i don't want to mess things up; is it an easy car to repair (small stuff ofcourse)?

THX guys

Hi,

You have a good dependable car and if you have an inclination and good hands on for cars, your 1990 Corolla will continue to live longer and at service to you.

Considering that it is 1990 model, then some parts have simply worn down. Of course you have to put it in good shape, perform basic maintenance like changing oil, oil filter, fuel filter, replace air filter, spark plugs and contact point and condenser (if not yet electronic), adjust the timing. You may still have the old carburaetor so clean it (if not yet fuel injected) then then adjust the fuel and air mix. Note of the improvement. Check too the tip of the exhaust pipe, if it is oily and emits dark smoke, then be prepared for an engine overhaul, the piston rings may already be loose and you may need a motorshop to replace the stuff. If honing (grinding) the piston bores is necessary, then think carefully, it may be expensive.

Regarding the steering if it has a play, then your tie rod ends, rack ends and ball joints are worn out and need to be replaced.

Parts are easy to find and available in the market because 1987-1992 small body EE90/AE90, 1992-1997 big body EE100/AE100, and EE101 have identical suspension and engine parts. If your engine is 1300cc, 2E family, then you will not have a problem for its maintenance. It is simple to maintain yet durable.

THX for your feedback mate

I have most of these issues checked regularly but I think i might have a problem with corrosion on contact points all over the engine bay; any electrical item saps the juice so hard it drops the rpms, and the car basically slows down for a momment (even with a warm engine) when i floor it in low revs. About a few months ago the right headlight started flickering on/off (when the lights were on ofcourse), and a mechanic sprayed some stuff on the inside of the connector, waited a few seconds, then blew it out, connected it back; easiest fix ever

How and with what do i clean those things? I saw instructions on cleaning the battery all over the net (disconnect "-" first, connect last) and they all rave on about baking soda. Is that safe other connections besides the battery?

Oh, and yes, it's the 2E 1.3 carb (IMG:style_emoticons/default/liebe011.gif)