How can I Differentiate the corona Kibinas?

Hi Paul,
Thank you for the good work you are doing, I have a Toyota RAV4 L, Model 1997, Manual. Recently, I changed the clutch plate and filled a leaking part of the engine and have noticed that the clutch pedal shakes continuously when I engage gears and that gears 1 and Reverse engage with difficulty, I have had the mechanic look at it but he has not clearly explained to me other than recommending a total change of the gear box. What is your advice about this? Cheers Isaac

Isaac, my two cents on your RAV4 situation is it has a faulty clutch system. Do not rush to replace the gearbox. In your situation, the RAV4 has a pulsating clutch pedal which is caused by the runout wobble or vibration of one of the rotating members of the clutch assembly. When you apply light foot pressure on your RAV4 clutch pedal, a series of slight pulsating movements will be felt. This is a pointer to potential serious damage. Ask the mechanic to check for one of the following causes of this situation: misalignment of the transmission and engine particularly the clutch housing with the engine and crankshaft; confirm that the flywheel has not suffered from run out damage. A bent flywheel or crankshaft flange will cause clutch pedal pulsation. Other potential causes of the clutch pulsation can be a warped pressure plate, wrongly adjusted pressure plate release levers or a warped clutch pressure plate. If the above checks are done well, the pulsating clutch problem will be rectified.

Dear mechanic.
I note the different ways Corona kibinas look. They have different words on them such as select saloon G, EX saloon and select saloon among others. One has half behind lights and full lights. Others have wipers on the hind glass.
Kindly let me know if they have a difference and especially the meaning of the words EX saloon and select saloon G. I am about to make a purchase of a select saloon G 1995 model with milage of 244162. Are they good cars anyway? Advise on the fuel consumption of the 1.8cc capacity.
Thank you, Tusingwire.

Hello Tusingwire, Toyota Corona (Latin for Crown) was built between 1957 and 2002. The T190 model you are interested in was launched in March 1992 and built up to 1995. Corona gives buyers more interior space while still offering dependable, affordable performance. There are nine generations of Toyota Corona before the 1992 ST190. Over the years, the Corona has been redesigned to be larger, heavier, and have the completely rounded, aerodynamic shape of the 1990s. The difference you see denoted by the badges is a result of different trim levels (unique finishing touches) for different cars according to the order of the first.
The ‘EX’ saloon comes with an extra face lifted exterior having the front and rear bumpers with the black trim, and the standard three piece rear spoiler. Super select G comes with a pattern select switch which is operated by the driver to select the desired driving mode. You can select either. “Normal” or ‘power’’. Based on the position of a selector switch the ECT ECU selects a shift pattern and lock up accordingly. The upshift in a power mode will delay to occur until it attains a higher speed subject to the throttle opening. I notice that you are considering a very high mileage car at 244,162 kilometres. If you must buy it check that car thoroughly to verify that the engine and gearbox are in good running conditions.

Hello, What is the recommended time for idling a petrol engine car before switching off after traveling a distance of 300Km?
Sebit Silvano

Hello Silvano, there is no good reason why you should idle a non-turbo petrol engine after travelling a long distance. Idling an engine after driving fast for a long distance is usually recommended for turbo charged engines commonly the diesel powered type. Idling a turbo charged engine for half a minute before shutting it down after a long drive allows the fast spinning turbo impeller to slow down before you dip oil pressure lest you run it dry and seize the bearings. Most petrol engines are not turbo charged so the need to idle it after a long drive does not arise. In fact, you will waste energy (fuel) and increase environmental pollution by unnecessarily idling your vehicle when you reach your destination.

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By Paul Kaganzi
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