88' Celica Alltrac Turbo. Q's

[Curry]

I guess I'm here just looking for some advice. I figured I'd post up while i do my research.

Recently picked up a 1988 Celica alltrac turbo, 5 spd. Body is in great shape, motor needs a little cleaning up and some new gaskets, fluids etc. Interior is ok but needs a little work.

The car was bought a few days ago and we were not able to really hear the motor run. It cranked but that was about it. It needs a fuel pump and starter. We have to give the starter a bit of a whack so the car even cranks.

My biggest concern with the car is we have no idea how the car was handled previously. Meaning we don't know if they towed the vehicle improperly and to be 100% honest it was not something we thought about at the time when we looked at the car. Which was pretty stupid.

It kinda just hit us the other day when we were trying to drop the fuel tank to change the pump.

So is there anything I can do to verify if the diff/trans is shot? What what the parts cost?

Also. While trying to drop the tank we are having trouble getting the fuel line loose. Any suggestions?

[Rpz123isme]

I have some advice for the starter. run a relay mod. the old crusty wire triggering the starter solenoid is probably shot. to verify if that is your starter problem put the car in neutral and unplug the wire that clips in the starter (not the one that bolts on) then run a jumper wire from the power wire (bolted wire) to the input for the solenoid wire (the spot you just freed) the motor should turn over like it has a brand new starter. if it does then add a relay.

[l0ch0w]

The most common failure on our trans is the 3rd gear synchro. Really other than that, the drivetrain is quite solid. Most alltracs are capable of 600awhp with no modification. So its unlikely that anything was damaged from a tow job. Its not real easy towing an AWD vehicle without a flad bed tow truck...

[Awesome-Trac]

You Should also check the timing cause that was one of reasons my car didn't start but do everything above first

[Curry]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I will try the relay mod with the starter. My main thing is to get this tank dropped first so I can install this new fuel pump. Can't do anything until this weekend though... Stupid rain

[Curry]

Ok so I was able to drop the tank last night without breaking any straps.

The problem i ran into is the fuel pump bracket assemble has a rusted and broken hardline so it will need to be replaced. Im guessing the classifieds would be the best bet?

This is the part number Toyota Part: BRACKET S/A,FUEL PUM
Part NO.: 23206-74250

The other 2 circular covers on the tank I forget what they are at the moment but those are also rusted and need replacing.

So i pose a few more questions. The tank itself is pretty rusted and dirty inside. Whats the best way to clean it?

we ended up cutting a line to drop the fuel tank but it wasnt a metal line. It was like a plastic line cover with a rubber sleeve. I think it might be the return line. How would I repair this.

I will try to take a few pictures when I get home so you get a better idea of what I am talking about.

[OutToWinPAHC]

If your unsure of the car and you have it apart, you may want to look into have your turbo rebuilt. That way you dont need to worry about that. I use a shop in San Diego and he rebuilds then for about 210 bucks plus shipping.

As for the fuel lines, if you cant get them you can always run you own.

[Curry]

Not too worried about the turbo we do have two fresh ones on hand just in case lol

Thats an excellent idea for the fuel line... didnt even think of that.. thanks!

[Curry]

We are one step closer to getting this thing to run. We restored the fuel pump bracket and got rid of those crappy lines and replaced them with SS lines.

Before



Mocking everything up





light sanding and phosphoric acid bath





Rust Coating, pump and lines installed

[Curry]

Just finished installing all the wiring for the pump and we riveted down the grounds to the bracket to ensure they don't come loose. Tested it with a quick 12 volts to see if it works and its good to go. no shorts.

Our plan this week is to cut a secure access panel in the trunk to allow easy access to the pump for easy maintenance. Its going to be setup weather stripping and all that good stuff. Pics to follow soon!

The gas tank should be going up this week then we can finally fire this thing up.

Anyone have any advice on changing the fuel filter? I have not done it yet but I would like to.

[Curry]

Tank is back up the car cranks but still wont start. No spark maybe? Suggestions on what else to check? I just changed out the plugs the car sounded like it was about to start but i think i need to put more fuel in. I didnt really put much. But any other ideas on what i should check?