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I bought a 1990 Tercel just a couple of weeks ago and am having the same problem everyone seems to have with the Tercels of that era (1987-1990 if I'm correct). It has a Variable Venturi carburetor which are known for the exact problem(s) you are having. From everything I've read and getting confirmation from my mechanic who worked on many of them 15 years ago, the carburetor is the problem and isn't worth rebuilding because the same problem will return. Again, from all I have read in my research, if you like the car, want to keep it and are willing to invest some money to get it running well again (plus getting better gas mileage and more power as an added bonus as one poster said he/she had), have the carburetor replaced with one from "Weber". They are well known for their high performance carburetors and make one which I hear will fit that era of Tercel, with an adaptor plate and some proper spark plugs and tuning. There's another article on this site which talks about the tuning part. If you have the carb replaced and can't get the car running well, let me know and I'll locate the info. for you. My mechanic is in the process of changing out the carb. on my car.
The Tercel I bought was a sorry looking thing off to the side of the used car lot connected with a new car dealership. I swear I was looking for one just like it, but was at this particular Honda dealership that day looking for a used minivan at the same time. Someone moved another vehicle and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it there - as if God answered my prayer. When I saw it, I was surprised it wasn't in the part of the lot where the cars are waiting to go off to the wholesaler, but was grateful. Oddly enough, the interior was PERFECT and aside from a few minor dents and it's needing a paint job at some point soon, it was in very good shape for it's age. I fell in love with it the minute I drove it! It reminded me so much of how simple the small cars in the 80's used to be and how much fun to drive they were. It drove perfectly when I test drove it (from a cold start) twice. The a/c, even though I suspect it needs a charge still works rather well. I was so excited about this little car and was thrilled to finally pick it up. The minute I stopped to get gas on the way home, it started acting up and did so the next day when trying to restart it while warm. When it's cold, it starts perfectly and you'd never know there is anything wrong.
The carb isn't cheap, but I expect that little car will save me gas and I will have a blast driving it!!! I wanted a manual trans again because with so many of the roads here having 35 MPH speed limits, the automatics don't shift into overdrive at that speed. With a manual, I can decide when I want to shift into 4th or 5th and likely save fuel. The valve cover gaskets are leaking too, so I will get them fixed as well. I already had the front and rear breaks redone and the wheel bearings in the rear replaced. Friends think I'm nuts to put money into an old car which has 111,000 miles on it. I was offered a great deal for a Chevy Aveo with the same equipment for 11,800 dollars. For under 3,000 dollars (everything from purchase price to tax, tag, title and all repairs), I expect I will probably get another 70,000 miles from this car (God willing). If not, I've got that 7800 dollars in the bank to have repairs done to it. That's a great feeling! The next commuter car I get will likely be a used Yaris hopefully several years down the road when the Tercel dies.
Good Luck with yours and I hope it all turns out well! Let me know.
Gregg
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Tercel 1988 Not Starting, I have to Work tomorrow, need to fix ASAP!
May 23 2008, 07:40 PM
