Corolla - The Weirdest Starting Problem

[kwik12]

Hey guys nice forum!

Anyway, I got a 1990 Toyota Corolla (manual/standard) and it runs fantastic. The only thing is I got one small problem.

-->When my car sits for about six or more hours it takes a while to start up (meaning it will start up... but it will make that starting sound for 10-15 seconds then slowly start to burp and then start).... once it is warm though (say I drive it for five minutes, go to the store come out) it will start normally.

Any ideas?

(I dont think it's the starter, and it may be a fuel check or something)


ALSO : I've tried keeping the key in the on position before actually starting the car for about 20 seconds

[fix_her_myself]

Originally Posted by kwik12

Hey guys nice forum!

Anyway, I got a 1990 Toyota Corolla (manual/standard) and it runs fantastic. The only thing is I got one small problem.

-->When my car sits for about six or more hours it takes a while to start up (meaning it will start up... but it will make that starting sound for 10-15 seconds then slowly start to burp and then start).... once it is warm though (say I drive it for five minutes, go to the store come out) it will start normally.

Any ideas?

(I dont think it's the starter, and it may be a fuel check or something)


ALSO : I've tried keeping the key in the on position before actually starting the car for about 20 seconds

Most likely its a vacuum problem. Most engine problems that occur only at a low temperature will be a vacuum issue. Start with the EGR, see if there is any air flow around the base which would indicate gasket leak. Loosen it up see if the problem is worse or the same.

Is your check engine light on? You may want to get the codes off the computer, they may indicate what system is faulty.

[Scrapper]

i would say starter if it cools off then starts? could be coil also or out of time. but if i had to guess it's the starter.

[kwik12]

hey guys,

thanks for the reply. If the problem still occurs I'll message you.

[fix_her_myself]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

i would say starter if it cools off then starts? could be coil also or out of time. but if i had to guess it's the starter.

Yes most times when the starter is going out its hard to start when hot, thats why I believe vacuum since he is saying its starting fine hot but slow cranking when cold. Normally it if is also running chopy cold its 90% of the time a vacuum or emmisions problem.

[kwik12]

yeah its only screwing up when its cold

[jdmccright]

Your car may have what is called a "cold-start injector" which feeds fuel into the intake when you try to start. If it is clogged or stuck closed, you will have difficulty starting until enough fuel is fed by the normal injectors to start it.

Also, check the fuel pressure. If it is lower than normal, then again it will take longer for enough fuel to be fed into the intake to start. A clogged fuel filter or worn out fuel pressure regulator is usually the culprit...worst case could be failing fuel pump.

Good luck and Welcome to AF!

[kwik12]

thanks... I'm gonna try what you suggested. Well see what happens.

Also,

my car is QUIET!!! Like, when its running normally (been driven for a while type of thing, its warm...) and I come to a stop... my car is fairly quiet.

Is this a good thing?

[jdmccright]

A smooth idle is good.

If those check out okay, then have what are called the IAC and EGR valves checked. If those aren't clean or don't open and close properly then they can cause hard starting.

Good luck!

[fix_her_myself]

Originally Posted by kwik12

thanks... I'm gonna try what you suggested. Well see what happens.

Also,

my car is QUIET!!! Like, when its running normally (been driven for a while type of thing, its warm...) and I come to a stop... my car is fairly quiet.

Is this a good thing?

That should be a good thing, however I would short the terminal to read the codes. If its not EGR which is the most common issue for cold running issues, and if you don't have a cold injector issue. You may read an O2 sensor fault which may point to a clogged catalytic convertor. I do not recommend knocking it out, get a replacement because once you knock those out it won't run right.

I still think its your vaccum, most likely your EGR valve is stuck or the gasket is leaking. You can pull off the EGR and I think that year you can feel the valve.. you should be able to move it by hand if you cannot replace it. Get a new gasket for good measure its worth the buck or two.

[famlycar]

I sure would like to know if your problem was solved and what it was kwik12...?

Anyway, I had a similar problem with my 96 corolla and it turned out to be some loose screws on the starter solenoid. That was in the summer last year and I haven't had any problems since. I clean my battery real good during each oil change which helps also.

[kwik12]

Originally Posted by famlycar

I sure would like to know if your problem was solved and what it was kwik12...?

Anyway, I had a similar problem with my 96 corolla and it turned out to be some loose screws on the starter solenoid. That was in the summer last year and I haven't had any problems since. I clean my battery real good during each oil change which helps also.

Going to fix the problem today... well let you know!~