1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
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A few months back, my 89 3sfe camry died. The oil light was on and my father proceeded to drive the car while the oil light was on not really knowing it was VERY bad to do so. He got to work, and said that he heard no wierd noises, or any signs of the car being low on power. At the end of the day he went back to turn it on and it turned on for 5 seconds then shut off, and ever since then the engine wouldnt start. I had my friend come over last weekend to diagnose it, and there was spark, and fuel, so he checked the timing belt and the marks were way off, so he adjusted the timing. After that was done i put the key in the ignition and turned it, and the engine started!! The oil light was on, and white smoke was coming out of the exhaust. I turned it off after running it for about a minute. I turned it on again and this time the engine ran for 30 seconds then died. Before it died, there was a knocking/ loud ticking noise coming from the engine. My friend thinks its the connector rod bearings. What do you guys think it could be thats causing the oil light to come on, and causing the engine to die shortly after beiing turned on? Could it be my oil pump is dead, and not sending any oil pressure to the cylinders? Or is it something far worse, and i have internal damage and my engine is a goner? Let me know what you guys think.
Is the oil levels okay? Was it checked before restarting the engine?
If the oil light is on even though the oil level is within the L and H, then it could be the oil pump as from what I heard when the light goes on, it means an issue with oil pump/pressure.
Last edited by Kingdom934; 05-17-2007 at 01:43 AM.
First, the motor is GONE. If you run a motor for more than a few seconds with the oil light on, you just ruined most of your bearings. The smoke out the exhaust sounds like you lost some parts in the head too. Time for a complete new motor.
I didn't see a mention of checking the oil level? Hmmm...
-Charlie
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2003 Impreza WRX Wagon 5spd - 2.2L stroker + other goodies
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1990 Camry 3S-GTE 5spd - parted out / junked
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The light is set to come on if the oil pressure is below 5psi. The prudent thing to have done was to test the sensor and hook up an oil pressure gauge where the sensor was installed.
Given the oil light was on when the engine began making noise, the engine is likely damaged. In most cases the cost of repair is more then you would want to spend thus might find a good used engine to drop in.
oil level is where its supposed to be, i replaced the oil before starting it. Im assuming the engine is damaged becasue of the white smoke and knocking, Could it be the connector rod bearings like my friend said? Time to look for a new engine, or car. How much am i looking at for a used engine?
oil level is where its supposed to be, i replaced the oil before starting it. Im assuming the engine is damaged becasue of the white smoke and knocking, Could it be the connector rod bearings like my friend said? Time to look for a new engine, or car. How much am i looking at for a used engine?
Yeah that sounds just like connecting rod bearings...you spun a bearing a two....or more
White smoke huh....coolant is leaking into the combustion chambers - I don't know what that has to do with oil starvation but it still is not good....
Like others have said, your motor is toast, do not drive it anymore unless you want to become stranded somewhere after it finally throws the rod and grenades your engine. I would either do a quick rebuild (new bearings, piston rings, seals, t-belt, water pump, head gasket...other misc gaskets...ect) or else buy a JDM 3sfe and do a t-belt job on that.
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1988 Camry LE 3sfe 4A - 123k miles
...Slower than a school bus!
Could it be the connector rod bearings like my friend said?
Yes, the loud knocking sound is a giveaway.
Drain the oil and remove the oil pan. Look for chunks of metal or metal filings in the pan. You can also unbolt the rod caps and look at the bearings, rods, and crank.
Quote:
Originally Posted by car_boy_16
I would either do a quick rebuild (new bearings, piston rings, seals, t-belt, water pump, head gasket...other misc gaskets...ect) or else buy a JDM 3sfe and do a t-belt job on that.
Problem with replacing the bearings is that the rod(s) and/or crank could be damaged as a result of spun bearings. So you would also need to replace the rod(s) and/or have the crank machined depending on how bad the damage is.
Personally I wouldn't bother rebuilding. Cheaper and easier to just swap in another engine.
The water is coming from somewhere. (blown headgasket,or cracked water jacket) Determine exactly what damage has been done BEFORE buying any parts if you decide to go that route as it may not be worth trying to fix.
Think I'd go with another engine instead of a rebuild.
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