Engine cuts out at traffic lights when idling

[Jonymoto]

Hi guys, occasionally my engine would cut out whilst idling at traffic lights or in stationary traffic. I've adjusted the idling speed, sprayed the carbie with carbie cleaner, changed the fuel filter and these haven't made any difference. I haven't tried changing the spark plugs yet. But I have noticed that when it does happens, it's when the car is uphill or slightly uphill. Any suggestions before I take the carbie apart? Also, how do you know when to replace the charcoal canister. Mine is still the original. Is there a thread that covers either topics? Thanks for any advice.

[Jonymoto]

I forgot to mention that I've also replaced the air filter.

[Ridlbox]

If I were you before I did anything the carburetor I would give the vehicle a full tuneup including an oil filter and air filter and a fuel filter check your spark plugs and wires and make sure none of your vacuum lines are cracked or even possibly broke

[dlb]

the charcoal can doesn't get replaced. you simply blow it out with compressed air. check the FSM on how to do this, it's super easy.

i agree with ridlbox, i would replace all the usual tuneup stuff that hasn't already been replaced recently, and look for vacuum leaks. i would also check the fuel level through the sight glass on the front of the carb. make sure the car is level when you do this.

[Jonymoto]

Thanks guy, I've recently replaced all the emission and vacuum hoses, engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. Also removed and cleaned the EGR valve with oven cleaner. But I haven't changed the spark plugs or the leads. They are probably due for a change. I've got iridium plugs which I change about every 80,000 kms (50,000 miles) So I'll try that at the weekend and blow compressed air in the charcoal canister.

[dlb]

don't forget the cap and rotor in the dizzy too.

[Mark]

Is the idle normally rough? On my Tercels, the random stalling at idle when I first got them was caused by a leaking Auxiliary Acceleration Pump diaphragm. I removed/plugged the hose going to the AAP and the problem went away.

[rer233]

Does it only cut off once in each warm-up cycle?

[Jonymoto]

dlb, I replaced the cap and rotor on the dizzy last year when I fitted an electronic dizzy and brand new coil.
Mark, it idles very well. But I will check the Aux Acc Pump.
rer233, it seldom cuts out, maybe once every 2-3 days in stationary traffic. Sometimes it will try to cut out but recovers and idles normally. This of course makes it very hard to diagnose the problem. I've set the idle speed to 800rpm (Mine doesn't have a tacho, dlx model, and no power steering). I'm looking at installing a tacho soon. The only thing that I've noticed is a couple of times it has cut out, the car was uphill.

[rer233]

I agree with Mark- try plugging the AAP and let us know if that fixes the stalling.

[NWMO]

dlb, I replaced the cap and rotor on the dizzy last year when I fitted an electronic dizzy and brand new coil.
Mark, it idles very well. But I will check the Aux Acc Pump.
rer233, it seldom cuts out, maybe once every 2-3 days in stationary traffic. Sometimes it will try to cut out but recovers and idles normally. This of course makes it very hard to diagnose the problem. I've set the idle speed to 800rpm (Mine doesn't have a tacho, dlx model, and no power steering). I'm looking at installing a tacho soon. The only thing that I've noticed is a couple of times it has cut out, the car was uphill.

Hey Jonymoto,

I will be following your thread, mine acts similarly, but hasn't ever died. I'm having a hard time pulling up the FSM, but I'm quite certain mine wouldn't idle down to 800 rpm. Mine is set to idle just over a thousand and once in a while will idle down to 950 rpm or so, which I believe is within spec or very darn near. When first started, it will stumble, but recover when idling. You might try bumping idle up a little and see if that suits you, I don't even notice the 1000 rpm idle on mine.

Chris