1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
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Hey guys I just bought a used 89 Toyota camry.. it's for the 4 banger motor. Lately I've noticed that sometimes the water will boil or bubble but my temp gauge stays right at 12:00
It is probably one of two conditions, hopefully not both - either someone replaced the coolant with straight water, or you have a blown head gasket. Since your temp gauge stays normal, i'll guess you probably just need to change the coolant with some anti freeze (instead of the straight water the old owner must have been using.)
Its easy to checkthe coolant ratio, you can buy or borrow a tester, walmart and most auto parts stores sell a cheap tester tool. To use it you suck some of the water from the radiator or engine (not the bottle) and read the bubbles or watch the needle to see what coolant concentration is in the engine. 50/50 water coolant ratio is fine, 70/30 is best, 100/0 water/coolant is not. If thats the case, just flush and fill the engine with anti freeze.
If the coolant ratio is fine, you can check for other signs of a blown head gasket...check the tailpipe for coolant coming out (after engine has warmed up and been driven some distance - water out the tailpipe for a few minutes in the morning is normal, it is condensation from the atmosphere being blown out.). Monitor the coolant level, if it is using water, check your oil - does it look like oil or more like a chocolate milkshake? If it looks milky, coolant is getting into the oil (probably from a blown head gasket).
If you're not sure what you are looking at, have the engine tested.
Last edited by AlmightyCamry777; 03-29-2010 at 03:04 PM.
previous owner? ha I put in a gallon of water cuz the res was rather empty when I bought it
The oil looks fine normal light brown
I'll get some coolant on the way home do I need something special?
if you haven't done the chore by now, flush out the system. If you're not familiar with this chore, just drain the radiator, fill the engine with water, put the cap back on, run the engine long enough for the thermostat to open (about 10 minutes) shut it off and let it cool for half an hour, and drain the dirty coolant. Note and warning: NEVER ADD WATER TO A HOT ENGINE unless it is running, you risk cracking the block - Repeat until the water comes out clean, then drain radiator completely and allow to cool.
I prefer to use straight coolant, i never buy 50/50, not only do i think it is a huge rip-off, if you use it your coolant concentration will probably be wrong, (due to flushing water always left behind in the engine).
I prefer to use straight coolant, i never buy 50/50, not only do i think it is a huge rip-off, if you use it your coolant concentration will probably be wrong, (due to flushing water always left behind in the engine).
The 50/50 stuff is much more expensive, but it is easy to use.
As for mixing it yourself, unless you live in a place that gets VERY cold, you don't need 50% coolant - the more water you run in the system, the better it will cool the motor. I generally run my motors with 30-40% coolant. You want enough for corrosion protection (and some freezing protection, I do like to ski!) and that's it.
Top off any small coolant loss (evaporation over many months) with distilled water.
-Charlie
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2003 Impreza WRX Wagon 5spd - 2.2L stroker + other goodies
1989 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd - SV25/ST205 hybrid
1990 Camry 3S-GTE 5spd - parted out / junked
1990 Camry DX 3S-FE 5spd - The original white90dx; gone but not forgotten
If your oil looks like chocolate milk, youve got blown heads. When you say light brown, that raised an eyebrow. Could be a radiator cap letting air into your system. Check the seal on the radiator cap.
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1991 Lexus ES250, 2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
Light brown oil is the proper color of just slightly used oil. In this case "a cigar is just a cigar". It doesn't take much driving at all to turn brand new, golden colored oil dirty enough to totally lose its golden color.
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