Toyota Corolla Engine Problems

We haven’t had any other reports of cam chain/gear wear on the Corolla, so it’s hard to say it’s a widespread problem, but the company stepped in and covered half the cost so there’s not a lot to be unhappy about.

You are in a tricky situation, the oil you use is a good quality brand and shouldn't cause any problem, but I would follow the dealer's advice and switch to a 10w-30 grade oil. I'm sure you'll find Valvoline make one, so you can stick to the brand you like and trust.

You can fit LPG to your Corolla, but it is recommended that you use an injection system because of the risk of backfiring with the older system and the damage that could cause to the plastic intake manifold.

If it hasn't been changed before it's long overdue, on time and on mileage. Toyota service specialists recommend changing every 100,000   km and/or five years, and the risk is too great to ignore the recommendation.

Given that it runs well once started it's most unlikely that it's the fuel pump or damaged fuel lines as the mechanic has suggested. If it's a fuel problem it's likely to be a sensor that's not telling the computer how much fuel to inject into the engine at start-up.

Toyotas generally have a belt change interval of 150,000 km, but to be sure check the service booklet, which will show the correct interval.

The timing belt is usually changed at 150,000 km on that model and most dealers are happy to do it on the basis of distance done rather than a time limit. Regular unleaded is being phased out in NSW only in 2011. Your car should be fine on E10, BP guarantees its E10 is suitable for all vehicles regardless of the age of the vehicle, the other oil companies don’t make that guarantee at the moment, but probably will. With that in mind use BP E10 if you have any doubts.

YOU can use them without causing any damage to your engine, but long-life spark plugs are considerably more expensive than regular ones and you should consider this before installing them.

DEPOSITS do build up on injectors in time, making the engine run rough and causing loss of power. Some dealers recommend cleaning them as a precaution, but I would be reluctant unless the engine is running poorly. The cost you have been quoted is far too high. An injector-cleaning specialist would typically charge about $100.