1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
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The oil leaking into the distributor is killing my spark and causing major startup and drivability issues. After searching this forum, it seems like the seal kit is the cheapest approach (compared to $300+ for a new distributor).
1. Would anyone recommend against the seal kit and argue for a complete distributor replacement?
2. Is there a DIY on how to setup timing after reinstalling the distributor?
Thanks!
Steve
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1991 Camry Station Wagon - 270K and counting
Are you just talking about stuff leaking into the inside of your distributor cap? There is a seal you can buy at SOME auto parts stores (but not ALL) to fix this problem. Believe me, they are NOT cheap if you can find them locally, and the Toyota dealer did not have them. They get hard and brittle over time and break apart, but it's an easy replacement. I got mine for about $11 from a place called AutoAnything. Their website is here: http://www.autoanything.com (They ship free!)
Sorry, wrong part.
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
Last edited by hairball; 11-01-2010 at 04:42 PM.
Reason: gave advice for wrong seal
Hope you don't. The best way to tell is if there is fresh oil on your transmission. Most likely, the oil is leaking through the shaft, into the cap, and out onto your transmission. A new cap seal may mask this issue and cause it to start pooling in your cap. As long as the car drives fine, you're probably ok.
__________________
1991 Camry Station Wagon - 270K and counting
yeah, that seems expensive to me. For a few pieces of rubber. I'm sure it's a steal though. Heck, I'd rather spend $10 for a distributor from a wrecking yard before spending $15 more just for some seals. I'm a cheapskate. Oh, and have been out of work for over 2 years! So even a hamburger sometimes seems expensive! LOL!
__________________ By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
Since I don't use the "GameRoom", can you just send me a check?
yeah, that seems expensive to me. For a few pieces of rubber. I'm sure it's a steal though. Heck, I'd rather spend $10 for a distributor from a wrecking yard before spend $15 more just for some seals. I'm a cheapskate. Oh, and have been out of work for over 2 years! So even a hamburger sometimes seems expensive! LOL!
The oil leaking into the distributor is killing my spark and causing major startup and drivability issues. After searching this forum, it seems like the seal kit is the cheapest approach (compared to $300+ for a new distributor).
1. Would anyone recommend against the seal kit and argue for a complete distributor replacement?
2. Is there a DIY on how to setup timing after reinstalling the distributor?
Thanks!
Steve
Hello,
I had this problem two weeks ago. It had gotten to the point of bad with my 3SFE. If you really want to attempt to pull the dizzy and rebuild it, cause that exactly what your doing then go for it. My only problem is how old are those seals that you want to buy and if you have a high mileage car replace the dizzy I'm sure you could use a new ignition coil anyway and they come with one.
As for the timing here is the best part. When you pull the dizzy just remember where the rotor was turned to this kind of dizzy requires that you just put the groove back into the slot. It is easy to do its just a manner of line it up. As long as you don't' start the car with the dizzy out you won't have to touch your timing. It really is that simple.
Honestly replace it with a re manufactured one. a junk ya one might last a week, a day a month or a year, its a complete roll of the dice plus you really have no idea what kind of shape it is in when you get it.
have fun. 30 minute removal and a 10 minute install.
I used the Kbox kit to repair mine. I had to take it to a shop to remove/reinstall the pin that holds the gear. The problem with a wrecking yard dizzy it it's likely going to leak before too long too. Around here a junkyard dizzy is closer to $75.
If you can afford it a rebuilt unit is a much easier and bulletproof approach.
As long as you put the distributor back in in the same location turned the same way your fine. IF you feel your timing is off you will have to loosen the bolts and turn the distributor to get the correct timing.
__________________
1991 Camry 3SFE 263K Miles 34 MPG
As long as you put the distributor back in in the same location turned the same way your fine. IF you feel your timing is off you will have to loosen the bolts and turn the distributor to get the correct timing.
This is a fine approach to get your car ready to set the timing. It requires the jumping together of two pins under the hood. the engine can then be set, with a timing light, to the appropriate timing. I'll give more info after work.
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Replacing Distributor Seals - Timing?
By the way, "Hairball" was a cat of mine.
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