Hi,
Been chasing a cold start problem on my Liteace. Its a 88 petrol 3y 4wd auto.
I've discovered that if I close the choke flap by pressing it with a finger so that there is about 1mm (when not pressed its about 2-3mm) clearance between it and the carb body the engine starts fine. I can then let go and it will idle perfectly.
On carbs I've worked on in the past I could adjust the choke flap clearance but on this one even after disconnecting the linkage to the throttle actuator and loosening the auto choke mechanism there still seems to be something stopping it from closing.
So does anyone know what the choke flap clearance should be and how to make this adjustment on this vehicle?
many thanks,
Justin.
- (#13748) Justin, 13 Oct 04 07:03
justin,
has this just happened or has it been getting worse?
some toyota carbs have a link to the lower flap, which in turn has a fast idle connection via a vacuum hose.
have you completely released the flap?
if the link is still attached it may be the bottom one that is open. the flap should close with no gap at all.
hth.
- (#13748) Clive (Bristol), 13 Oct 04 10:29
Hi Clive, thanks for replying,
Yep completely released the linkage. The next thing I thought of was it was up against the stop inside the auto choke but loosened this and rotated it as far as it would go. The choke flap feels like its pushing against a spring or possibly a diaphram as with light pressure I can close it.
I can't seem to find any info on the carb other than replacement parts.
At least now that you've said it should be closed I know I'm on the right track!
I purchased my Liteace in the knowledge that it had a potential choke fault as it was burning an extortionate amount of fuel. Turned out a diaphragm had failed and was passing fuel round some of the vacuum pipes back into the carb. Obviously with such a rich mixture it started fine then, and I suspect in trying to cure the overfueling the choke/fast idle/mixture etc were all fiddled with in an attempt to cure the problem.
I replaced the diaphragm so curing the over fueling and adjusted the mixture etc and checked the auto choke operation and linkage and all seems well, but now its obviously not rich enough on cold start thanks to the choke flap being open by about 3mm.
Justin.
- (#13748) Justin , 13 Oct 04 12:14
Could the flap be bent? May account for the springy feel, and not seating correct?
- (#13748) Clive (Bristol), 13 Oct 04 13:08
Hi Clive,
Ok I decided to strip out the choke mechanism at the weekend. Turned out you were not too far out with your flap being bent idea. The flap was fine but the lever that operates between the auto choke and the vacuum pull off had been bent.
The springy feel I get when manually closing the flap is correct, as when I do so, I pull on the vacuum pull off diaphragm. Thankfully this wasn't damaged by my 'playing'.
Thanks for your input Clive.
Justin.
- (#13748) Justin, 18 Oct 04 06:53
Happy to help.
All sorted ready for the cold Winter starts now?
- (#13748) Clive (Bristol), 18 Oct 04 08:48
Not 100% unfortunately. It still takes a few cranks to get going. Noticed that the fuel window is showing empty after its been standing and this intial cranking is merely refilling the float chamber. I suspect a fuel pump problem........if its not one thing.... :~))
Anyway its loads better than it was now the choke flap problem is sorted.
Do you know if info on the carb etc is contained in the 3y engine manual I keep seeing mentioned?
Justin.
- (#13748) Justin, 19 Oct 04 07:09
I suspect that it is but as the Townace is an import may not be the exact one.
Right the float chamber should be full at turn off, the carb should be primed and ready to go. Any smell of fuel when lifting the "bonnet" when cold?
Check the filter first, can be found through one of the removable panels behind the drivers seat.
- (#13748) Clive (Bristol), 19 Oct 04 08:21