Ancient Toyota Starlet

That's because it has 12 valves. 8 in the engine, and 4 in the radio.

Steve

PMSL :-)

Start with a very comprehensive tune up, replacing things like HT leads, rotor arm, cap, plugs, ANY vacuum hoses that are even slightly dodgy (and i bet it has loads) and carefully checking for air leaks.

check the vacuum advance is not stuck and that the static timing is spot on-or-just-retarded-enough-to-stop-pinking, that its capable of getting upto proper running temp and then remove the carb jets and blow them out., empty some carb cleaner down it after with engine at fast tickover, and reset the idle speed and mixtures to the book.

Also check that the second barrel is opening (if it has one- think so) and that the linkage isnt stuck. If its a vacuum secondary, then maybe the diaphragm is split- this would certainly give you hesitation as the primary barrel wont be capable of supplying enough fuel after about 1/3 throttle.(plus are always jetted lean)

It should be reasonably nippy and keen despite just 1 litre.

Tim..

It's had plugs, points, rotor arm, oil change, oil and air filters so far, all done by a reliable mechanic. It passed the MOT emissions easily, apparently.

I'd be happier ferretting around it if I could get hold of a manual but Haynes didn't make one, AFAICS.

It's nowhere near as nippy as my wife's 1.0 Micra and that's only 6 years younger. I'll check everything you've suggested, thanks.

Si

There's bound to be one on ebay..

Steve

Not for the 1989 model there's not. Much earlier models, yes, but the carburation and emissions systems on those would be very different.

Si

i would contact Toyota Enthusiasts club, used to be a member when i had my Celica's..

That's the badger! Ignition timing was a bit out. This I discovered by a combination of delving into the memory and trial and error.

Well suggested that chap.

Si

Is it going any better now then?

Tim..

Much better. The timing must have been way out. It starts much easier and actually accelerates now, rather than just gaining momentum. I had flashbacks of working on old Fords back in 1980 and set it by ear as I don't know the correct setting yet and it's so much better.

Oh, and yes, there are loads of vacuum pipes!

Si

it has points !!! so dwell should be set to 46 - 58 degrees, static timing with advance disconnected is 5 at 950 rpm advance should be 8 - 22 at 4000,

Dwell angle... I remember that! :o)

Bastard mk.1 Fiesta points... Mini points...! *Shudder*

Ta. Noted.

As for the damped throttle, it's been suggested that one of the many vacuum tubes might be blocked. This will be investigated when it stops raining. In May, probably.

Si