Corolla 1988 SR5 carburated model.
This great little car has started on a dime for over 10 years. About a month ago I noticed intermittent starting difficulty. I turn the key and it starts instantly - or - I turn the key and it refuses to start. Eventually it will start but takes 5 minutes of coaxing. This happens whether the engine is warm or cold. When it does start running it is very smooth purring and goes like hell. Good battery and the starter sounds very strong. Clean new air filter. I looked for a bad wire connection but cannot find one. Anybody who can steer me in the right direction it will be appreciated. Only 90,000 miles on the car and I am the second owner since 1995. Very limited funds so I really want to keep her going. Also I have sprayed carb cleaner down the throat while the engine is running. When it is idling the RPM's are perfect whether it was hard or easy to start. I need some advice.
Thank you