We have a 1988 Toyota Corolla. Yes it's very old, but it still keeps on running...we got well over a foot of snow yesterday and the car was not buried but it was well-covered. It took a snow SHOVEL to get the bulk of the snow off the car. Anyway, it took me rapidly pumping the accelerator for a good thirty seconds to try to start the car, and it took three or four attempts at doing that to finally get the car started. (It did crank after all that and now it seems to be fine.) I thought for sure I was flooding the engine but it seemed the more I pumped, the closer it got to starting. Is it going to be like this after every snowstorm?? And why? Am I doing damage to the car by trying to start it this way? I don't know of any other way, and we have to have this car, as our other one is on the blink right now. Advice and suggestions from experienced mechanics welcome. Thx. :)
2007-02-14 23:12:21 · 9 answers · asked by peachy78 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The cold was affecting the fuel pump and carburetor. Forget the battery, it is not the problem, it is getting the fuel to the spark plugs and engine. Next time, when you put the car away for the night, pump it a few with the engine off to put fuel around the plugs. Also, get some dry gas or similar product to ensure there is no water build up in the fuel. Believe me you were not the only one having the problem.
2007-02-14 23:23:37 · answer #1 · answered by redhotboxsoxfan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't need to "pump" the pedal at all. Fuel injected cars do not operate the way the old carbureted ones do. Pumping the "gas" pedal is actually pumping AIR into the car, which is why it probably had a hard time starting. Computers control the gas flow depending on the amount ( and temperature ) of the air.
2007-02-14 23:18:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
more than likely it prolly will be troublesome,but sounds as if the electric choke is a lil whacked out,and isnt adjusting itself correctly.luckily no, pumping the gas will not harm your engine.if possible,what ya can do is park in a garage,or shield the car from some of the chill by using a tarp over the hood.optionally you can put a small space heater near to blow warm air under the engine and help keep it warmer so that it can start easier
2007-02-15 08:46:57 · answer #3 · answered by yankeegray_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the battery is good (the engine finally started), then there is an electrical problem.Check the cut-out gap and adjust,clean the plugs.
If all these didn't solve the problem, the engine has to be checked. If the exhaust contains oil (checked by white paper)
the engine may need overhaul or rings change
2007-02-14 23:36:52 · answer #4 · answered by h.hamadto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure if a 88 has a carburetor on it or not but if it does clean the choke linkages making sure it is operational and insure on cold start choke is closed.
2007-02-14 23:18:46 · answer #5 · answered by Dennis G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it was from the ice and all the cold from the storm
2007-02-14 23:21:21 · answer #6 · answered by pessimist 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was sleepy and cold.
2007-02-14 23:16:05 · answer #7 · answered by ashleynicole452 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was cold
2007-02-14 23:21:27 · answer #8 · answered by thatguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
COLD
2007-02-14 23:15:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋