Expert: Ted Ritter - 9/27/2004

Question
Thanks for the help. I have trying to ask this follow up question but you were maxed out!

I have performed a tune-up on this car very recently. I changed plugs, plug wires, rotor, air filter, distributor cap, pcv valve, used a fuel injector cleaner. The only item I was not able to change was the fuel filter and ofcourse one of the spark plug. What is the solution to the siezed spark plug? Can it be replaced without damaging the threads etc?

I asked about the transmission additive as I am concerned about any 'bad effects'. I hope using a transmission additive will not harm the transmission in anyway.

Thanks again.


-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
92 Corolla Sedan, 190K miles, 4A-FE engine, 3-speed Auto

I need help on 4 quick issues:

1) The car is sluggish in picking up speed in second gear (roughly from 15mph to 35mph). Becomes better if going a slight downslope and worst if A/C is on. Any idea?

2) I will drain and refill the transmission fluid. Haynes manual says the capacity of transmission is 2.5Qts and of differential is 1.5qts, but I believe in 92 Corollas there is no separate differential drain etc. So my question, in this case is, what is the total transmission fluid I need to add after draining all from the transmission pan? Should it be 4Qts? I don't want to accidently overfill!

3) Is it a good idea to use any transmission fluid additive like Slick 50? If yes, which one you recommend?

4) One of the spark plug is stuck/seized? I am not able to loosen it even after using 2 different penetrating oils. Can I do something about this or just keep using it as it is?

Thanks for all of your help.


Answer -
The loss of power may be due to an engine misfire, it may be related to worn spark plugs, plug wires, cracked distributor cap or maybe even a loss of engine compression, you will need to remove all the spark plugs and inspect and replace them if needed, check the air filter.
The problem could also be that the transmission is slipping in second gear.
The transmission and differential unit are not seperate, when you drain the transmission you are also draining the differential, the capacity is 3.5 quarts.
You can use slick fifty or whatever else you may prefer I do not make recommendations for additives because I find that they don't do any good anyway, especially if you already have a problem with the transmission.

Answer
The solution is that the spark plug has to be removed, one of two things will probably happen, it will strip the threads in the head or it will break off(worst case)most of the time it will come out but the threads will be ruined,it can then either be rethreaded or if it's real bad a steel insert can be installed.