84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

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irowiki
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Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by irowiki »

Were you running the AC too while towing?

With compression that low, it isn't going to start. You could try a new headgasket first...
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87 Corolla FX16, 105k
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95 Camry Wagon, 170k
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Petros
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Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by Petros »

sounds like rings are shot based on what you posted. usually even a very low compression engine will still start, even if run weakly.

Before you pull it apart do a full diagnosis: try checking the timing with either a timing light (have someone cranking the engine while you put the light down close to the front pulley in a darkened garage), or at least try to "eye ball" the timing by pulling off the distr cap and see where the rotor points when it is at top dead center.

It is possible the timing belt skipped some teeth, each check just pull off the front cover and check sprocket location when crank is at TDC. Fix that before you check the timing of course.

good luck
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
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irowiki
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Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by irowiki »

Also in the future running the heater on max fan and max heat will help.
Former Tercel Enthusiast (not a practical family car anymore but they still have a place in my heart)

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87 Corolla FX16, 105k
94 Jamboree RV (Ford E-350), 90k
95 Camry Wagon, 170k
97 4runner, 275k
mrdance123
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My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

I've gotten engines running that were in worse shape than this one,
compression wise, to start and run for a test drive.
This engine gets normal range compression with extra oil in cylinders first,
so something should happen.
I"ll try again after checking cam and ignition timing.

Irowiki, yea, I used the A/C while towing, it was in the 90's,
and kept it on even when cooling off engine on the side of the road, idling.
It fell to normal temperature after 5 minutes idling, radiator fan doing it's job.
Maybe I would have had to stop less often,
or gone slightly faster up hills if I kept A/C off,
but the comfort was worth it to me so long as I did keep it out of the red.
On the level interstate, we maintained a cruise of 55-58 mph in 5th,
engine temp normal, with AC on,
primary throttle near max, no secondary except to accelerate.
Speedy is an '85 with the shorter gear ratios.
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
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irowiki
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Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by irowiki »

Oh ouch, 5th gear was a bad idea!


Have you measured your AC temp? Curious.
Former Tercel Enthusiast (not a practical family car anymore but they still have a place in my heart)

Site administrator, if something is broken, PM me!

87 Corolla FX16, 105k
94 Jamboree RV (Ford E-350), 90k
95 Camry Wagon, 170k
97 4runner, 275k
mrdance123
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My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

48-50 on econo, 39-41 on max.
Always cycles on and off compressor on 'econo', drops to 50, even in 95+ weather.
However, max setting forces 100% compressor usage in hot weather,
especially if fan is on high, not cooling all way down to 40,
like it can in milder weather or slow fan speed.

Before the tow trip I was wondering which gear is the strongest, most durable.....
the one that is not a gear but a straight 1:1 ratio, is that 4th ??? I don't know.
Are you worried about transmission torquing,
or the engine for your 'ouch' ??

I used 4'th or lower when forcing max throttle more than just momentarily,
He seems non the worse for wear afterwards,
there's always been an identical, slight, with the same pitch,
deep whine in both 4th and 5th.
Like bearing(s) that are used only in 4th and 5th?
First 3 gears are silent.
It kinda sounds 'normal', even smooth,
compared to 'raspy grindy' noisy bearings I can feel vibrating in other transmission I've had.
Have not serviced the AC since buying Speedy 5 years ago.
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
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Petros
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Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by Petros »

the 5th gear set seem vulnerable to heavy loads, so you should be using 4th for towing.

I have received used transmissions that were all good except 5th was busted out, I am told this happens when either towing in 5th gear, or if someone puts it in 5th by accident instead of reverse or 1st gear and tries to drive off from a dead stop.

The tercel transmission if treated carefully, gear oil changed regularly and all leaks/seals fixed promptly, will almost last indefinitely.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
mrdance123
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Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 9:03 pm
My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

Pictures of new acquisition, needs engine.
A nice find, very straight, very little rust,
cloth plaid interior not torn or badly stained,
power steer and a/c equipped.
Attachments
Speedy Blue doing heavy lifting, 275 mile tow, Prospect to Portland
Speedy Blue doing heavy lifting, 275 mile tow, Prospect to Portland
Pic 2.jpg
Pic 1.jpg
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
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Petros
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Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 6:31 pm
My tercel:: '84 Tercel4wd w/extensive mods
Location: Arlington WA USA

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by Petros »

nice! saved another one from the crusher.
'87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project)
'84 Tercel 4wd (daily driver, with on going mods)
'92 Mazda MPV 4wd (wife's daily driver)
'85 Tercel 4wd DLX auto(daughter's daily driver)
'01 Honda Civic (other daughter's daily driver)
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irowiki
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Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by irowiki »

The "ouch" was for the 5th gear, I've seen several people on this forum kill a tercel transmission by towing in 5th.

Ah, is your AC converted or still on R12?

My converted AC only gets down to 50-60F when it's 90-100+ out (on max), but will get down to the 40's (on max) when it is in the 70's outside, and stay in the 40-50's when it is in the 80's outside.

Econ mode only really works when it is cloudy, or in the 70's.

I think the people who converted it screwed it up. Doesn't help the car is a dark brown which is a heat magnet in NM!
Former Tercel Enthusiast (not a practical family car anymore but they still have a place in my heart)

Site administrator, if something is broken, PM me!

87 Corolla FX16, 105k
94 Jamboree RV (Ford E-350), 90k
95 Camry Wagon, 170k
97 4runner, 275k
mrdance123
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Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 9:03 pm
My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

I seriously doubt my AC still has R12, but don't actually know 4 sure.
Bought Speedy Blue in 2011, AC worked then,
and has received no service or coolant additions since.
We have had 100 deg weather recently,
and it barely gets down to 50 at that point and compressor rarely turns off on Econo.
If only in the 80's, Max can cool down to 40.
I have adjusted the accelerator circuit board so it runs a little cooler,
I found it adjusted exactly half way between warm and cold,
turned it down to 3/4 of the way to the coldest.
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
mrdance123
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Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 9:03 pm
My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

Picked up the '83 hatchback donor car with an oddball 3A-H engine.
Also comes with a brand new stock carburetor, calipers, and catalytic.
Feel bad for previous owner doing all that only to fail and give up on this hatchback.
It runs barely, weak compression and loud tapping,
hoping its just in the head and valves.
Will redo head in place, and put 3AH in T4 from Prospect if it works.
Attachments
Donor Car.jpg
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
mrdance123
Top Notch Member
Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 9:03 pm
My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

Picked up another engine.
The tranny was already gone, so it was a breeze.
It had a shredded timing belt, the likely failure putting this beat up car in scrapyard.
They don't let you start engines there, that's too bad.
With the rocker arms removed (someone already took them) and all valves closed,
manual turning resulted in a good even compression feel, so I took it.
Attachments
P&P engine 1.jpg
Last edited by mrdance123 on Wed Nov 30, 2016 11:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
mrdance123
Top Notch Member
Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 9:03 pm
My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

Pick & Pull.jpg
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
mrdance123
Top Notch Member
Posts: 152
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 9:03 pm
My tercel:: 84 and 85 4wd wagons

Re: 84 SR5 Tercel 4WD 213k , needs rebuild/new engine *make offer (OR)

Post by mrdance123 »

Pulling engine out.jpg
Dropping in a good engine.
85 T4 Speedy Blue, SR5, 270-312k, operational R12 A/C, in use.
84 T4 Curmudgeon Copper, 188-294k, my first T4 in 1990, now Dad's daily driver.
RIP - 84 T4 Foxy Blue, 256-288k, engine died 2021, sold to PNP
Sold: 86 T2 Silver, VIN ending 5847, 194k, cherry condition, now in a good home.
RIP - 83 T4 Smokin' Gold, 270k, rusted out body, parted & scrapped
RIP - 84 T4 Quicksilver SR5, 125k, blown engine no oil, had sat 10+ years, parted & scrapped.
RIP - 80 Corolla (purchased new), 0-473k, 358k original engine, rear-ended totaled in 2003.
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