'87 4wd Tercel Everett, WA

[marlinh]

I arrived in Everett Washington to purchase this Tercel. It was very difficult to contain my excitement. I was picked up early Saturday morning by TURTCEL and taken to the car, where we were met by Petros.



So, how many tercels does it take to fix another one?

[marlinh]

With help from Petros and TURTCEL we were able to get the car in mint running order. I am forever grateful to both of you for your help in this adventure. It would not have been possible without this wonderful site and great people who are so willing to help complete strangers.



After we got the car running I went to the two local pick and pulls and Petros' place to fill up on rust free parts to take home.

[marlinh]

I drove to Spokane to stay with a friend who arranged to have my car put on a lift for free. Here's what the shop looked like. I wish I could do this everyday.





A view of the underside. Beside a few oil leaks. mint underbody. Didn't find any other surprises. None of the cars I have ever owned could ever be lifted by the rocker panels like this. They would just crumble.

[marlinh]

Arriving home.

[marlinh]

An added special thanks to Synth for his advice via cell phone to diagnose the faulty egr valve causing the front two plugs to run rich and the two rears to run lean. Lucky for me Turtcel had one in his garage he was willing to part with.

[Petros]

Home safe and sound! You were not really a complete stranger, we do know you are willing to drive around in a 30 year old import econo-box Tercel4wd. That I think tells a lot about the owner by itself.

[marlinh]

I love these little econo boxes! Mine always wants to be a little truck. Usually I am cramming the back with firewood at every opportunity. Thanks again to everyone!

[ARCHINSTL]

GREAT story about GREAT people!

You sure have a pristine underside!
Wow - you even have (most of) that unobtainium under-engine tray! Someone did a hatchet job on it to save time during oil changes - could have just cut a disc about 3-4" in diameter, though. Should be easy to patch, though - just use some plastic and sheet metal screws to facilitate future removal.
Toy should have put a removable cover there (maybe it did - I've forgotten on my then-new '83).
Tom M.