Just bought 89 camry wagon

[roxyrolla]

Hi! I just bought a white 89 camry wagon with 238000 mi with full tune-up done. I am actually a ************* guy, but always wanted to own a camry wagon. I bought it for $400 with only 2 owners. From my understanding, the maintenance has been done on it regularly, however I have some questions. I have notice(from going through the maintenance records) some problems like "engine needs to be resealed" or "boot broke." What do these things mean? Also, I think shocks and struts need to be replaced at this mileage(they feel sturdy though), so I am thinking to lower it a bit. What you guys can recommend me for shocks, struts, and springs? Also, did anyone ever washed their engine bay? What do I need to watch out for and what should I cover when washing? The engine bay is absolutely filthy!
Again, please post you suggestions! Thanks for looking.

[aych]

well, engine resealing to me doesn't mean much, you mite have a leak or two, but not too big of issues. the boot breaking depends on which boot. if it is the "important" .. forget real name, then dust and crap will get in your bearings and that is bad bad news. my camry has 300,000km on it, the shocks and struts are still fine.. my rear right shock is kinda gone, but no one sits there anyways =) washing the engine bay. I wash it every once in a while, i just use a degreaser which is paint leather plastic ... basically anything safe. spray everything except the altenator and i hose everything down. Just make sure the engine is warm before doing that, and after you are done, just start the car and run around town to warm it up and dislocate any water.

[roxyrolla]

Originally Posted by aych

well, engine resealing to me doesn't mean much, you mite have a leak or two, but not too big of issues. the boot breaking depends on which boot. if it is the "important" .. forget real name, then dust and crap will get in your bearings and that is bad bad news. my camry has 300,000km on it, the shocks and struts are still fine.. my rear right shock is kinda gone, but no one sits there anyways =) washing the engine bay. I wash it every once in a while, i just use a degreaser which is paint leather plastic ... basically anything safe. spray everything except the altenator and i hose everything down. Just make sure the engine is warm before doing that, and after you are done, just start the car and run around town to warm it up and dislocate any water.

Hey, I appreciate the info. It says "R boot broke."

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-88-TOYOTA-CAMRY-SPEEDOMETER-INSTRUMENT-CLUSTER-4-CYL_W0QQitemZ280217184906QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3 756.m20.l1116
Does this fit 89? Is it a good price?

Also, any recommendations on aftermarket steering wheel?
Thanks!!!!!

[aych]

again, there are 2 boots, one for the axle joints the other is for the steering. the steering is the less "sensitive" of the two, but I would get the boots fixed, because gummed up joints are not good, esp if you travel at higher speeds 80km/h + . the guage should fit, its still a gen2, maybe someone else on here can offer advice on wiring, but my instinct tells me its ok. what is wrong with your current panel?

[roxyrolla]

Originally Posted by aych

again, there are 2 boots, one for the axle joints the other is for the steering. the steering is the less "sensitive" of the two, but I would get the boots fixed, because gummed up joints are not good, esp if you travel at higher speeds 80km/h + . the guage should fit, its still a gen2, maybe someone else on here can offer advice on wiring, but my instinct tells me its ok. what is wrong with your current panel?

It doesn't have a tachometer. I just used to have it especially on manuals.

[metrodriver]

Probably cv-joint boots. There are two on each drive shaft and when one breaks usually the whole shaft is being replaced.

[roxyrolla]

Originally Posted by metrodriver

Probably cv-joint boots. There are two on each drive shaft and when one breaks usually the whole shaft is being replaced.

You're absolutely right. I just got it replaced.