New Celica Owner

Hi
I bought a project from a tow yard and am still learning about it. Paperwork says 1991 Celica GT, but engine is 2.0L, which as you probably know was not an option for the GT (actual manufacture date is 12/90). My mechanic says looks like an engine swap was done, but the fuel injection system is still the 2.2L system. I know this because I just changed the cold start valve and got the wrong part when I ordered for the 2.0.

I'm here to learn more about these cars. I've had toyotas since 1985 when a bought a 4x4 new and loved it. I also have a 97 Camry with a 200 hp 3.0 and 5 spd manual, now that's a kick in the pants, and a 99 Lexus ES300. Anyway, I'm trying to get the Celica to pass smog (still have to here in California) and its throwing a lot of CO (way over gross polluter status). So far, i've cleaned/rebuilt the fuel injectors and replaced the cold start valve. Today I tried to change the thermostat, but couldn't get the housing off and couldn't get the oil filter off to get a wrench on one of the nuts (any advice here is welcome as I want to change the oil also.

I was thinking thermostat, because the temp gauge barely moves of the C, even when driving at highway speed for 20 to 30 mins. Are there other reasons the gas is coming out the exhaust. I tested again after the fuel injectors and it helped, but still 7% on the CO. Have not retested since replacing cold start valve.

My mechanic thinks the 2.0L may have come from an Alltrac? model. Can anyone tell me more about it?

Thanks for your help.

RJ

Hi and welcome

Do you know if its a turbo or non turbo?

It will either be a 3SGE (non turbo) or a 3SGTE (turbo)

Most likely the turbo 3SGTE as the 3SGE is very rare in the US (they are about though).

hi and welcome

Hello and welcome to NAcelicas

Some nice Toyotas you've had, especially the 200bhp Camry.

As for your engine, it usually says on the cam cover. It's either going to be a 3SFE, 3SGE or a 3SGTE. If your still not sure, you an always show us a pic.

Def sounds like you have a broken thermostat, sounds like its getting a bit sticky. To get the oil filter, you may have to buy an oil filter wrench from your local automotive store.


Anyway, hope you enjoy your stay

Hi and welcome.
Regarding the engine:
Most certain it will be a 3S-FE.
Don't think it will be a swapped 3S-GE because you live in california, and this engine will not pass emission tests etc. Don't think it'll be a 3S-GTE either. If that was the case, then you certainly would have told us
About your cooling problem: Definatly thermostat that stays open all the times.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the kind words. I did find an oil filter wrench that worked, but it seems like one problem after another. I got the bottom hose disconnected and found no thermostat at all. Then the new one i had, which was for the 2.0 engine, did not fit. I'm going to try the thermostat for the 2.2 tomorrow. Going to try to attach a picture, but even my camera is acting up.

Welcome matey

From the looks of it, it's a 3SFE but not sure on what generation.

What do the 3, S, F and G stand for? E is engine right? Car, not necessarily the engine, has a 12/1990 manufacture date.

rjssci wrote:

What do the 3, S, F and G stand for? E is engine right? Car, not necessarily the engine, has a 12/1990 manufacture date.

Yep, looks to be a 3SFE.

The code means:

EDIT: Read post below

If you read this, I'm sure it's clear what the engine code stands for.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_engines



The thermostat in your car is located at the end of the radiator coolant line, that goes from the radiatorbottom up towards the engine. At the end you'll see a little piece of hard piping that is attached to the engine with 2 nuts. Inside that piece is where the thermostat is.

nsx wrote:

If you read this, I'm sure it's clear what the engine code stands for.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_engines

.

Thats the link i was looking for

Thanks for all the advise. The link worked good. I got it done today and looks like no leaks. The thermostat was a 48 mm OD, not the 56 mm OD. Maybe the original engine was the 1.8L? Anyway, now an oil change and another shot at the smog. Any advise for a very rough cold idle? It drops down to 200 to 300 rpm and even dies unless I keep my foot on the gas.

rjssci wrote:

Thanks for all the advise. The link worked good. I got it done today and looks like no leaks. The thermostat was a 48 mm OD, not the 56 mm OD. Maybe the original engine was the 1.8L? Anyway, now an oil change and another shot at the smog. Any advise for a very rough cold idle? It drops down to 200 to 300 rpm and even dies unless I keep my foot on the gas.

Is it only when cold?

Possibly a vacuum leak, spark plugs and leads, air filter, could even try cleaning out the IAC (Idle Control Valve).

I used to have a problem where it would idle rough when cold and it was due to the oil being too thick.

Yes, only when its cold. I changed the oil tonight, so we'll see if that makes a difference in the morning. Spark plugs have been changed, air filter looks ok. Where do I find the IAC? I'm sure it needs some attention.

Well, it was a little better after the oil change. I didn't have to keep on the gas for as long as before. I would like to know more about the IAC. The car does run and idle good once it is warm.

Hi, sorry for the late reply, my car has been having a few problems lately so been a bit busy

The IAC is under the throttle body, if i remember correctly, it has 2 hoses coming off it. Just use some carb cleaner and should all be good.

Also, what grade oil are you using?

Do I take the hoses off and spray the carb cleaner inside?

rjssci wrote:

Do I take the hoses off and spray the carb cleaner inside?

On my old car, i cimpletely removed the throttle body (better access) and removed the IAC valve so you can clean it better and easier.

Made a noticable difference once i was finished.

Answer to the oil question is 10W-30 Synthetic Blend

rjssci wrote:

Answer to the oil question is 10W-30 Synthetic Blend

Sounds right too me, only other thing i can think off is dirty fuel injectors

Nope, took them out, cleaned two and rebuilt the other two (I didn't, had it professionally done).

Found out two things today. If I take the vacuum hoses off the Throttle Body, the CO goes way down and the CO2 goes up. Also, the car is missing the Throttle Position Sensor. This may be the problem.

I'd try getting hold of a TPS, take a read at this

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-throttle-position-sensor.html

Sounds similar to your car problems.