Idle Jet Plugged

[kennydavis_89]

I recently bought my first Tercel(1985 SR5 wagon 140,000 miles), and am really excited about it. Unfortunately the car has some needed TLC and the first order of business is getting the car to idle, which it currently cannot. Its starts up but dies when you stop giving it gas. I was told by a friend that it is the idle jet and that it is plugged. Do you guys think that this is the correct diagnosis?

If it is the correct diagnosis, how easy of a fix is it? Maybe a quick run down of how to go about this (I have some experience working on older trucks but I still like to tip-top around so I don't ruin anything). If you think that it is the wrong diagnosis what direction should I head?

Thanks a ton, and I really do look forward to the support of experts and loyals in this tercel community.

[Petros]

Welcome to the list!

Actually a number of issues can cause it not to idle, not likely the idle jet. Check your idle adjustment, on the side of the carb where the throttle cable attaches to the throttle shaft. Also check for vacuum leaks (most common cause), check all your vac lines that they care connected and not just hanging, look for cuts or damage. IF you can not find a leak use a can of carb cleaner, with it at a fast idle spray it at different parts of the intake/carb system. IT will slow down when you spray it on the leak. Also could be a solenoid stuck, see the Service Manual (link above for on-line manual) to test the solenoids (it is simple). It would not be a bad idea to trace all the vac lines to make sure they are connected properly, either see the hood sticker on your car or the FSM.

You can also clean out most of the carb by just removing the top and spray it out with carb cleaner (watch out for the small parts!). Do not attempt this unless you have worked on carburetors before.

Good luck.