'98 Celica 1.8 ST 7A-FE cold start problem, Auto choke does not seem to kick in? Options

[ChristianTRD]

Hi all

I've just taken delivery of my new (old) Celica ST - and I love it already!

Mine hasn't been used by previous for over a year so it needed a new battery which was fitted by me before I drove away from the previous owners house.

It started on the key (I was amazed ...) and idled perfectly and off I went.

However, a week on and it's turned pretty cold here in Wales and it doesn't like to start. It starts on the key then abruptly dies.

Engine will only stay on if I keep my foot on the accelerator pedal hold the revs around 1100rpm and let her warm up. Then all is fine. (I've been running her like this now for 5 days).

I've put new petrol in her (Shell V-Power), fitted a new air filter and have new spark plugs and an oil filter standing by. All fluid and oil levels are checked and ok. Battery working perfectly. I was thinking maybe the automatic choke is not working (if it has such a thing).

Before I panic is this a known issue with the 1.8 litre 7A-FE engine? Car drives sweetly and only has 69,128 on the clock.

Also, the accelerator pedal sticks in the up position when left for a few hours? A good prod free's it and it can be used/driven without sticking. I've sprayed WD40 on the pedal mechanism and return spring down in the drivers footwell but it still sticks slightly which is annoying. Maybe due to lack of use.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Christian

[solidxsnake]

The accelerator is most likely sticking because of a dirty throttle body. Pull off the intake ducting to the air filter then spray some carb cleaner in the TB, and use a toothbrush to clean off the carbon deposits (make sure to get inside the butterfly valve as well by rotating the pulley by hand while spraying/cleaning).

As for the cold start issues, I couldn't really help you there. I'd definitely try changing the oil (I use Mobil 1 5w-30) and seeing if that changes anything.