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86 Toyota intermittent crank wont start problem
Sent to Car Experts August 10 12:17 AM

86 toyota camry has intermittent starting problem. A couple of days ago, I went out to start my car. It cranked but would not start. I tried again, it sputtered and I floor the gas pedal and it started. Had the fuel filter changed. Everything fine. Yesterday went out and car cranked but would not start. Had car towed to auto repair. They do not know what the problem is because the car has started every time. I told them that each time it happened the car was facing downhill. So they kept it overnight and parked it so it faced downhill. Car started everytime. Any suggestions?

 

Optional Information:
1986 Toyota camry

Already Tried:
had fuel filter change and fuel injectors cleaned.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
August 10 12:39 AM (22 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

While the engine is firingThe next time the engine does not fire, watch the dash Check Engine Lamp. It should illuminate each time the key is turned ON. If not the engine's ECU is not receiving power, and it is a common failure for the EFI (electronic fuel injection) relay to fail intermittently. Also, it may very will be the fuel pump failing, has it ever been replaced? How many miles are on the vehicle? Does the fuel pump sound abnormaly loud, right when you turn the key ON. The pump should come on for about 2 seconds when the key is first turned on, normally it's fairly quite and difficult to hear, but in cases where it has begun failing it can make loud humming and buzzing sounds.

-Rip



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PictureRIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2107 Car Accepts
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Reply
August 10 1:01 AM (21 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: what is the ECU and they check engine light is on. the car has 272,000 miles on it and I don't hear the fuel pump come on. Is the fuel pump in that make and year in the fuel tank?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 10 1:12 AM (11 minutes later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Yes the pump is in the fuel tank. If the lamp is operational now, the next time it doesn't fire, monitor it then. If it does not illuminate, then the ECU (Engine Control Unit - computer) is not recieving power, this is commonly from the EFI relay, in the underhood fuse box. The relay also contols the fuel pump operation via the computer. At this milage if the pump has not ever been replaced, it is a strong candidate for failure. If the check engine lamp is illuminating when the problem is occuring, the next step is to have a fuel pressure test done when it has failed again, however, due to it's intermitency of the problem, this can be difficult to do. In cases like these the mechanics really need to get out and test drive the vehicle under different conditions, than let is sit; with a fuel injection guage on the system at all times. When the problem occurs, it can be caught.

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
PictureRIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2107 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
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