88 camry with a boatload of problems

[agirlwitharms]

I bought a beater 88 camry off of craigslist cause I really needed a way to get to school and was out of a job, and this thing is proving to be quite the nuisance. The first thing that was busted on it was the alternator and serpentine belt, which I took care of. I put all new fuses, relays, and got a new horn because I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work. It ended up to be just a wire that wasn't connected properly.

-I took it to get inspected and it failed because apparently the lady I bought it from did an exhaust patch job with a beer can and a zip tie. I got this epoxy wrap stuff from autozone and the guy there said that is supposed to fix it. Will that pass inspection? (NC)

-The power steering is out, I asked a friend what it was and he said that my steering rack was shot. Another friend said it was just the boots. Steering racks are expensive, boots are not. Is there some way I can figure out which is busted without taking it to a mechanic?

Really I'd like to just get together a few hundred dollars, take it to a shop and tell them to just fix it but I only have like $50 to my name until I start picking up hours so that's out of the question. It only is starting to get pressed for time because I got a kickass job on the other side of town, and I start monday... This whole situation kind of blows cause it's a super cute little car and the engine runs like a champ even though the rest of the car is garbage.

Can you guys give me some suggestions?

[Doctor J]

Check that power steering drive belt is present and the fluid is at the right level in reservoir.
If latter is empty there could be leak somewhere in the system

[mk2-1jz]

And generally exhaust tape does NOT pass inspection. You have to have that portion of the line replaced. The camry has a segmented exhaust, which means it is in a few pieces. Change the piece of the line that is perforated.

Ditto on power steering. Check first that there IS a strap present, the fluid level and check the rack (on the bottom of the firewall) for leaks.

Use Dextron II fluid to top off the power steering and NOT power steering fluid it is not the correct fluid to be putting in there.

[Jimnist]

Originally Posted by mk2-1jz

And generally exhaust tape does NOT pass inspection. You have to have that portion of the line replaced. The camry has a segmented exhaust, which means it is in a few pieces. Change the piece of the line that is perforated.

Ditto on power steering. Check first that there IS a strap present, the fluid level and check the rack (on the bottom of the firewall) for leaks.

Use Dextron II fluid to top off the power steering and NOT power steering fluid it is not the correct fluid to be putting in there.

+1

However, Dex II has been superceded with Dex III now. So don't be surprised if you can't find Dex II.

[fredk]

you got any tools?