88 corolla sr5 carb model (coil question)

Possibly. Does the problem occur if you rev the engine in neutral? If not, then then the coil is probably OK.

Some aftermarket plugs and ignition parts, even name brand ones, can cause driveability problems. Frankly, I do not now which ones do and which ones do not so I always recommend OEM ignition parts.

No.

It sounds more like a fuel problem than an ignition problem. Check the fuel level in the sight glass on the side of the carb. The fuel level should be at the notches on the side of the metal ring holding the glass in place. I suspect that the float in the carb is hanging up.

It has not happened while I rev up.

Your right of course but the OEM Toyota are really expensive.

Great

Looks like I need to clean the carb. I use the car for primary transport. Still to cold up here for the motorcycle. Would spraying a good degreaser down the throat help? If so, is there one you would recommend? Thanks so much Ray for your time and expertise.

Gary

OEM Toyota ignition parts are about the same price as high-end aftermarket, and still cheaper than buying cheap aftermarket parts and them taking them off and substituting OEM because the cheap ones didn't work. In any event, it does not sound like your problem is ignition-related so this is probably a moot point.

I would not use any old degreaser in the carburetor. Use an aerosol carb cleaner, do not lean over the carb when you're doing this if you value your eyebrows and hair. You'll get clouds of smoke out the exhaust when you do this. You may want to spray some on a paper towel and wipe some of the varnish buildup off of the throttle plate and in the throat before you start and spray. Spraying carb cleaner down the barrel will not do anything to fix a float problem but there is a slight chance it will clean a clogged jet. The carb has a bowl that basically works like the tank on a toilet. A float about the size of a mini-marshmallow is attached to a wire arm, and as the fuel flows into the bowl and the fuel level in the tank rises, the float reduces the flow of fuel into the bowl. When you stomp on the accelerator, the fuel flows out of the bowl through the jet and into the venturi. If the float has developed a hole, it won't float properly and too much fuel can flow into the venturi or if the float is hanging up, then it gets starved for fuel. There are fuel system cleaners like Chevron Techron that you add to the fuel tank that may have better results for you. Follow the directions carefully. If you don't use it up quickly enough, it can corrode some internal parts.

I do plumbing so I can really appreciate your toilet bowl analogy. I will give all this a shot and watch my eyebrows. Thanks so much.

gary

You're welcome and good luck!