Saying Hello to fellow Camry owners

[scarney1988]

I am new to the forums, figured I'de say hello. I have 1990 Toyota Camry FWD 3SFE Automatic. It is in okay shape for the age. I was hoping to document my time spent working on it. I have had it for ~3 months and have only had time to do some of the basic up keep. I have I'll list what I did, what I need to do soon, and what needs attention.

Maintenance Performed
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1) BG Engine Flush kit (fellow tech had it laying around)
2) Full Synthetic Oil Change with new filter
3) Plugs + Cap + Rotor + Wires replacement
4) New distributor O-ring installed
5) Resealed Tubes
6) Valve cover gasket replacement
7) Replaced Coolant
8) New Transmission Filter + ~3-4 qts new ATF
9) Replaced Rubber doughnuts that secure valve cover
10) Replaced Fuel filter
11) Replaced Engine Air Filter

Maintenance To Be Performed (Parts in possession)
------------------------
1) Replace Timing Belt
2) Replace Accessory Belts
3) Replace Cam and Crank Seal
4) Replace Oil Pump Assy
5) Replace idler and tensioner pulley
6) Reseal Oil pan (love black FIPG)
7) Reset Timing
8) Replace Water pump

Problems
------------------------
1) Paint sorely needs compounding
2) Suspension makes all kinds of noises over bumps
3) 3 different brand tires (atleast the same size lol)
4) Steel wheels are in horrible shape (bent or damaged)
5) Blower motor resistor needs to be replaced (only high works)
6) P/F window motor does not move (thankfully is in the up position)
7) Misc. interior pieces are missing
8) Exhaust leak

As of yet I do not have any pictures. I will be hopefully handling my current list of maintence to perform next tuesday. If anybody wants pictures of anything specific let me know. I want to get some exhaust pieces so that when I break the ones that are on there I'm not screwed. Many thanks to Toyota for putting the exhaust right underneath the oil pan.

Hope to help you all out as well as get some help when I'm in trouble.

-Sean

[Blakeman]

The suspension noise is probably from your tie rod ends and the suspension itself. I just changed my struts (front and back) on my wagon and the rear were still the old factory struts and had absolutely no resistance left in them. This means the coil springs were the only things taking the bumps... It makes a big difference especially with handling.

I replaced the strut plates too since they were a bit worn and it wasn't that much more to buy those parts as well.

Check for the exhaust leak right in front of the right rear tire, that is where mine went and I've seen them rust out there for other folks as well.

You might consider replacing the thermostat and air filter as well and also check the tension on your throttle cable.

[scarney1988]

I added the engine air filter to the list cause I forgot that I did change that. Thanks for reminding me.

As for the suspension, I will be tackling that after the Timing belt. I am gathering a list of what I want to do. Thinking, Round house struts and springs, new ball joints, lower control arms, and press in new wheel bearing while im in there. That wll require a little bit of saving for though because of the cost of the parts. I do not like to open jobs back up to re-do things.

The thermistat makes sense, and I'll probably order one of them up. thanks for the idea

[Blakeman]

Originally Posted by scarney1988

I added the engine air filter to the list cause I forgot that I did change that. Thanks for reminding me.

As for the suspension, I will be tackling that after the Timing belt. I am gathering a list of what I want to do. Thinking, Round house struts and springs, new ball joints, lower control arms, and press in new wheel bearing while im in there. That will require a little bit of saving for though because of the cost of the parts. I do not like to open jobs back up to re-do things.

The thermostat makes sense, and I'll probably order one of them up. Thanks for the idea.

Honestly unless your springs are completely rusted through you don't need to get new ones. Mine were completely fine since Toyota did a good job of tucking them up fairly far. Same deal with lower control arms. I replaced my CV shafts and suggest that for anyone who doesn't know the age of theirs as well, it is an easy thing to do if you have time and some jack stands.

[scarney1988]

Yea I will have to see how the financials are cause not getting springs will save me a solid $100 or so. Control Arms with ball joints are only $60 a piece and its peace of mind knowing they are new. Still though, money will determine how far I go with it. Passing State inspection will be the number one priority. I need to get new wheels and tires though, cause that noise is killing me.