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Non LBC: Toyota help please?

To: Triumphs Mailing List <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Non LBC: Toyota help please?
From: Pete & Aprille Chadwell <pandachadwell@mac.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 07:06:43 -0700
Hi folks.

The TR6 is running flawlessly... it's my 'LJC' that needs a little help...

This is an older (1981) Toyota Corona with a 22R carburetted engine. 
Bone stock, although I replaced it with a rebuilt unit in 1987.  This 
new engine has only got 25,000 on it, but the rest of the car is 
pushing 225,000.  (and that means all the ancillary engine 
components: distributor, carburettor, etc.)  This car has some sort 
of electronic ignition, so points are not an issue.  Inside the cap 
there's a little "magnetic pickup" unit similar, I suppose, in 
function to the Allison 'optical' unit on the TR.

Here's what's going on:  First of all, it seems to misbehave mainly 
in the TRANSITION between running 'cold' and achieving proper 
operating temp.  Of course, this time of year that transition is not 
very long.  When it is thoroughly warmed up, the incidence goes way 
down.

When you're launching from a stop, or even very low speeds (like in a 
parking lot) the engine stumbles instantaneously and nearly dies. 
The stumble occurs JUST AFTER your left foot has LEFT the clutch 
pedal and the engine is at low revs, just beginning (and I MEAN 'just 
beginning') it's acceleration.  It acts like maybe it's out of fuel, 
if only for just an INSTANT (and I MEAN 'instant').  But then, just 
as quickly as it tried to die, everything returns to normal and I 
drive off.  The net effect is a hurky-jerky start from a stop in 1st 
gear.  It can also happen in 2nd if revs are low enough and the load 
is high enough.  My usual immediate reaction is to throw the clutch 
out again to keep the motor running, but I'm not sure that's always 
necessary.  Although, my wife says it's died on her a few times.  You 
can also minimize the stumbling by feathering the clutch a little and 
giving it a bit more throttle.  I think it's important to note that 
when it stumbles, your left foot is COMPLETELY OFF of the clutch 
pedal and has been even if only for a fraction of a second.  The 
engine begins accelerating normally, just long enough for you to 
conclude that 'this time it's not going to do it' and just then, WHAM.

I didn't want to spend too much time troubleshooting this until I did 
some basic maintenance over the weekend.  It was LONG overdue for new 
plugs, new cap and rotor, fuel filter and air cleaner.  I also 
changed plug wires.  The cap and rotor were particularly shot.  I was 
hoping that by some fluke one of these things would eliminate the 
problem, but I wasn't too surprised to find that it didn't make any 
difference.  At least I've eliminated those things and I can focus on 
something else...  But what?  I'm leaning toward carburetion myself. 
Mostly because I think asking a carburettor to travel 225000 miles 
without a rebuild is a little unfair.  At the same time, I HATE 
working on these Hitachi down-draft type carbs.  They are a pain. 
I'd like nothing more than to be able to fit a trusty pair of 
Zenith-Strombergs on it!!  (he, he!)

Anyone have any suggestions?

Pete Chadwell
1981 Toyota Corona LE
1973 Triumph TR6

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