1986 Toyota Corolla Car only runs for 15 seconds!

1986 TOYOTA COROLLA
150,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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PEPFATKIKI88
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
My car suddenly wouldn't start. After much troubleshooting I determined that it is not the timing, fuel pump, etc. The car turns over just fine.

If the car sits for a few days, it will run (fire in other words) for about fifteen seconds...then stall.

You have to let it sit for a long time before it will run again, but just for a few seconds.

My neighbor down the street said it seems to be a vacuum leak. While I was turning the key, he put his finger over some hoses + the car ran - I don't know exactly what he did. There are a lot of hoses under the hood - which exact hoses are the critical ones that I need to replace? I have a Haynes Repair Manual
that does not explain the whole theory very well.

Please explain what I need to do.
May 19, 2010 at 2:06 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Block wide open the airflow meter and start the car and see what happens.
May 19, 2010 at 4:09 PM
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PEPFATKIKI88
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
What/where is the airflow meter?
May 20, 2010 at 6:06 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Its contain within the air filter housing
May 20, 2010 at 6:20 PM
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