# 1981 Toyota Corolla - Dies after starting

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-toyota-corolla-dies-after-starting/178506>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** toyota\
**Created:** [August 4, 2021, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-toyota-corolla-dies-after-starting/178506 "2021-08-04T21:06:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Orlandeeezie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9d8465/32.png) [@Orlandeeezie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Orlandeeezie)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2021, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-toyota-corolla-dies-after-starting/178506/1 "2021-08-04T21:06:54Z")

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My car would die right after starting. I do not know why.

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [August 4, 2021, 9:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-toyota-corolla-dies-after-starting/178506/2 "2021-08-04T21:34:59Z")

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I don’t kmow either . If you are not going to fix this yourself then find a shop you trust.

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**Author:** ![davepsinbox\_157004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@davepsinbox\_157004](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davepsinbox_157004)\
**Post date:** [August 5, 2021, 1:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-toyota-corolla-dies-after-starting/178506/3 "2021-08-05T01:36:41Z")

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I am not a mechanic but I used to own a 1977 Corolla. I would suspect a fuel problem, maybe a vacuum leak. I don’t know whether the 1981 had a carburetor or a throttle body but either could be dirty. A good mechanic can fix it for you.

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**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\
**Post date:** [August 5, 2021, 12:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1981-toyota-corolla-dies-after-starting/178506/4 "2021-08-05T12:36:23Z")

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Chances are an 81 is carbureted. Many possible causes.  
Plus an 81 still needs regular spark plug changes.  
You need to take it to an experienced, independent shop.  
Get an estimate to repair, that may cost you $100-150, the shop may waive the diagnostics fee if they do the repair.  
But I would advise the estimate first, then decide if you want to keep this car.  
We do not know the condition of the rest of the car, the chassis might be rusted to the point it might be unsafe. The suspension may be worn out. The catalytic converter might be clogged.  
Only a hands-on inspection and diagnosis can tell.