2002 Corolla E12 UK... Dodgy fuel pump?

[Ikram]

Hi guys, 

I have a Toyota Corolla E12 2002, UK model. It has done 90000 miles, I have had it for about 3 months. The previous owner has looked after and it had serviced it regularly (stamps are all there in the book). When running, aside from a very little rough idle (when stationary), the car is perfect. 

The issue I have is that when i start the car, there is usually a long crank (the cunkcunkcunk sound before it fires up). It has been happening for about 2 months. I have been avoiding any major issues and having a work around that when I get in the car, I turn the key to the on position for about 5 seconds, make sure the fuel needle has moved and then i start the car. This has usually meant that the car will start within just a normal crank time. 

When I get in and start it almost instantly after the key hits the on position, I have the long crank. It does fire up but the crank can be at least 5-10 seconds. 

Yesterday, as per my usual routine, I put the key in, turned to on, then started 5 seconds later. There was a long crank about 10 seconds at least, it sounded as if it was struggling, then it started. The idle was very tough and then the car cut out about 3-4 seconds later. 

I then put the key to on again and then waited about 10 seconds, turned the key all the way, another long crank, about 10 seconds too, then it started. 

Now I'm wondering what it could be that is causing the issues. I read it could be the fuel pump not getting enough fuel to the car for it to start (failing pump). Someone said it would be the starter but I didn't think it would be given that the car usually starts first time everytime but then again I'm not a mechanic. 

I have done some basic research and my fuel filter could be clogged but I think that on my model of car, it is going to be in the fuel tank and part of the pump.  

Do you guys have any ideas what this could be? My car has no other issues, it is 17 years old but the car drives very smooth and has no other issues and has been well looked after. 

I look forward to your responses.

Thank you.

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Yes, you are right that the fuel filter is a part of the fuel pump inside the tank.

It could be a blocked filter or a failing pump, but the test Toyota use is a pressure one which does not look like a diy job.

Could also be partial blockage of the fuel delivery pipes or even injectors ?

Does sound more like something for a garage with the right test equipment to sort out, though wonder if a bottle of Redex or similar might help free any such blockage ?

 

 

 

 

[oldcodger]