Any known mechanics in Southern California specialize in these olders Tercels?

[prelyt]

I have an 85 that recently stopped working and I am not sure why. Anyone know a good Toyota mechanic who specializes in older Yotas in the Ventura or Los Angeles region?

Also if anyone wants to buy a non-working 85 tercel in decent condition let me know.

[irowiki]

Might be better diagnosing it here. What is wrong with it?

[prelyt]

Might be better diagnosing it here. What is wrong with it?

I am not 100% sure. My wife was driving it when it went out, but apparently it was making a clunking noise right before it stopped running. In the process it lost all it's oil and maybe coolant too, but it has been consuming more coolant recently which could have something to do with this. When I try to start the car nothing happens to the motor but the electronics inside all work. I looked at the motor and it was covered in oil.

[Mattel]

Does it turn over at all when you try and start it?

[prelyt]

Does it turn over at all when you try and start it?

No, I get nothing. I have suspicion that I blew the head gasket, or something along the lines of that.

[Petros]

sounds more like the engine is blown, threw a connecting rod. that is the only thing that would spray engine oil everywhere and not allow it to run. If you look down low on the engine, can you see a big ragged hole in the side?

A blown head gasket usually does not cause it to blow oil everywhere. either case, damaged low end or head gasket, the car will need heavy duty repairs. If you can not do it yourself you will have to find a shop or a fellow forum member in your area to do the work for you. It is rather involved to try and walk you through it all.

A shop would be rather costly, and many do not want to mess with a car this old, half the mechanics were not even born when this car was current. Though you might find someone to take it on, if it is a regular shop they will want a lot of money to fix it.

Might be better to try and find a replacement engine for it and have it installed. Or just sell it off as a fixer or parts car, and find a good running one.

[prelyt]

sounds more like the engine is blown, threw a connecting rod. that is the only thing that would spray engine oil everywhere and not allow it to run. If you look down low on the engine, can you see a big ragged hole in the side?

A blown head gasket usually does not cause it to blow oil everywhere. either case, damaged low end or head gasket, the car will need heavy duty repairs. If you can not do it yourself you will have to find a shop or a fellow forum member in your area to do the work for you. It is rather involved to try and walk you through it all.

A shop would be rather costly, and many do not want to mess with a car this old, half the mechanics were not even born when this car was current. Though you might find someone to take it on, if it is a regular shop they will want a lot of money to fix it.

Might be better to try and find a replacement engine for it and have it installed. Or just sell it off as a fixer or parts car, and find a good running one.

I think you may be right about the connecting rod.