Celica (A20/A40)

1970-1981 / Coupe / Liftback / Japan

All Celica (A20/A40) problems All workshop issues

Critical Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Oil Leaks

Symptoms

Oil seepage and dripping from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and timing cover.

Cause

Rubber and cork gaskets harden and shrink over 50 years. The 18R is not a particularly leak-prone engine when the gaskets are fresh, but all gaskets eventually fail.

Fix

Replace all gaskets and seals systematically.

The valve cover gasket ($15--30) and oil pan gasket ($20--40) are easy.

The rear main seal requires gearbox removal.

Full reseal: $150--300 DIY, $500--1,000 at a workshop.

Cost mentioned in fix

$15$20$150$500

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// More Celica (A20/A40) problems

Other known issues

Critical Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Timing Chain Noise

A rattle or slapping sound from the front of the engine on cold start that may quiet as the engine warms.

Minor Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Overheating

Temperature gauge climbs in traffic or on hot days. Coolant loss.

Common Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Carburettor Wear

Rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy. The single-cam 18R uses a two-barrel Aisan carburettor that is generally reliable but does wear.

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or thinning floors, particularly in the driver's and passenger's footwells. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases.

Critical Body and Structure

Lower Quarter Panel Corrosion

Rust and perforation in the lower rear quarter panels, behind and above the rear wheels.

Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard Corrosion

Rust in the engine bay around the inner fenders and strut tower bases.

View all 18 Celica (A20/A40) problems