A bunch of problems: 81 corolla

I have a bunch of problems I need to get fixed, hoping someone here can help me out.

1. Just got a brand new battery, worked fine for a bit but now the charge light is on. Battery is not charging. Car runs fine when push started (although instruments are very dim, turn signals slow) Alternator?

2. When the engine is cold it will stall immediately after started unless you keep your foot on the gas for a few minutes. After that it runs fine.

3. After the car has been driven for 30+ minutes there is a rasping/clattering noise coming from the top end of the engine while idling. Performance seems unaffected and it clears up when you give it some gas. Valves?

Thanks in advance!

Sounds like a few issues I am recently dealing with...as for #1 Check belt tensionand wires connected to it, a local auto supply shop should be able to tell you if your alt. is good if you take it in. #2 I am still trying to figure out..sorry. #3 That rattling noise at an idle was bugging me. On my vehicle I am suspecting the timing chain (old & tired)to be rattling in the front of the block and not on the top (I had to let the vehicle run for a while before it got louder to locate). I would take a guess that might be your rattle also. If not that is good. Hopefully some of this helps.

I have a bunch of problems I need to get fixed, hoping someone here can help me out.

1. Just got a brand new battery, worked fine for a bit but now the charge light is on. Battery is not charging. Car runs fine when push started (although instruments are very dim, turn signals slow) Alternator?

2. When the engine is cold it will stall immediately after started unless you keep your foot on the gas for a few minutes. After that it runs fine.

3. After the car has been driven for 30+ minutes there is a rasping/clattering noise coming from the top end of the engine while idling. Performance seems unaffected and it clears up when you give it some gas. Valves?

Thanks in advance!


1. Check alternator and connections in fusebox (side panel by the battery).

2. When starting from cold, the engine is not getting enough air. Check your idle speed adjustment on your carb.

3. Try to better pinpoint the noise. If you know it's definitely inside the engine, you might have a sticky valve. I would check the carb too.

old post but here are my thoughts in case anyone is still having problems.
1: take vehicle to major autoparts store, they can check alternator while on car.
2: sounds like the choke is not setting on the carburetor. Older cars usually require a pump or two on the gas pedal after the key is turned on but before moving to start. this should set the choke. (mine is broken btw and does the same thing)
3: a 1981 corolla uses a 3tc if in the states. most oil change shops use 5w30 or 10w30 oil. service manual calls for a thicker 20w50 in this engine. try 20w30 at next oil change, may help the noise as oil gets thinner when it is hot.

oops, I meant 20w50, not 20w30.