1986 4sale. Spearfish MT

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lilhouse
Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 5:08 pm
My tercel:: 1986

1986 4sale. Spearfish MT

Post by lilhouse »

Just had the engine rebuilt, starter replaced, new radiator and clutch. I've driven this thing across the country numerous times and just can't give up on it. Yesterday it broke down in Spearfish SD and the one mechanic there says I need a new transmission... seems like its stuck in 4th gear but the gear shifter feels like its in neutral but won't shift...
going to get a second opinion but am looking to possibly just get rid of it.
It really is the best car ever...a little rust, faded yellow.

up for suggestions or bids.
Laura
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Petros
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Posts: 11930
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 6:31 pm
My tercel:: '84 Tercel4wd w/extensive mods
Location: Arlington WA USA

Re: 1986 4sale. Spearfish MT

Post by Petros »

welcome to the list!

Sorry to hear about your trans trouble, I had that happen to one Tercel4wd and the trans was trashed, metal flakes came out the drain plug. It had been making some really bad noises when I limped it home stuck in 2nd gear. I replaced the trans. But I had this happen to another one years later, though it was not making bad noises but assumed it had the same problem. I took the trans out and all apart and found nothing wrong with it. Must have been the linkage popped out for some reason, and it was still all okay in side. So it might be worth another look, it might be fixed without taking the trans out, just remove the center console and than unbolt the cover plate on the top of the trans through the hole in the floor. Realign the shifter forks on the linkage and than put the cover back on, it can be done in less than an hour. Worth the attempt to save your Tercel. Might get the shift lever to work again without rebuilding the trans.

BTW, is the car in Spearfish MT, or Spearfish SD?

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)
TURTCEL
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Posts: 662
Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:42 am
My tercel:: 1985 4WD SR5 Wagon, Brown (TURTCEL)
Location: Everett, WA

Re: 1986 4sale. Spearfish MT

Post by TURTCEL »

It says MT in the post title...guessing that is Montana.
1985 Tercel 4wd SR5 Wagon, WEBER Carb, Brown (TURTCEL)
1988 Corolla DLX All-Trac Wagon, 4 speed AT, Silver (Wife's new car)
1993 Ford Escort Wagon LX, 5 Speed, Smurf Blue (Smurfette)...selling
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83Whit3Hatch
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Posts: 26
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:09 pm
My tercel:: 1983 3 Door Stripper Model. Grey seats with red inserts. 5spd swap.100W 9003 bulb upgrade.
Location: Denver, CO

Re: 1986 4sale. Spearfish MT

Post by 83Whit3Hatch »

Yes, but in the post it states the car broke down in Spearfish, SD. I was wondering the same thing as Petros, just didnt post it.
TURTCEL
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Posts: 662
Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:42 am
My tercel:: 1985 4WD SR5 Wagon, Brown (TURTCEL)
Location: Everett, WA

Re: 1986 4sale. Spearfish MT

Post by TURTCEL »

I did read the post and guess I didn't put 2 and 2 together on that one. Just figured the title says MT but doesn't make sense that it got towed from SD to MT...seems like the tow bill would be outrageous. And to limp it home without failure is too long of a drive without inevidible problems.

I am guessing we won't hear many responses on the forum from lilhouse...usually when a phone number gets posted that is the last post for ones like these. I am sure that this car has been called on a bunch already.

I do hope you get it all figured out lilhouse, always hate to hear about one of our beloved Tercs going down.

Peace
1985 Tercel 4wd SR5 Wagon, WEBER Carb, Brown (TURTCEL)
1988 Corolla DLX All-Trac Wagon, 4 speed AT, Silver (Wife's new car)
1993 Ford Escort Wagon LX, 5 Speed, Smurf Blue (Smurfette)...selling
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