Looking at buying a 1988 Camry - have questions

[remerbt]

Hey guys,

First post here. I am looking at an inexpensive car to get me through the next year or two. I found a 1988 Camry that supposedly had an engine rebuild 50k miles ago. The rest of the car has 230k. When I checked it out I noticed a lot of oil leakage onto the transmission. We're not talking just dried up oil but liquid oil and a decent amount of it. It was pooled up on the transmission in what was almost a bowl shape. I believe it was motor oil - did not seem to have a red tint. However I checked the transmission fluid level and it was very low - barely registered on the stick. The lady also told me she knows the power steering fluid leaks. I have no idea about these cars and couldn't even find the power steering pump so I guess that could be it, but it seemed thicker more like engine oil.

Im not a mechanic by any means (hell I couldnt even find a power steering pump ) but I'm just worried that it could be the rear main seal or worse.

Also, it seemed that the engine warmed up to half way on the gauge within like 1 minute of test driving it. Is this normal for these cars? She said someone else test drove it today, but the engine was not warm to the touch when I was checking it out. I actually didn't touch the engine after I test drove so I cant say if it was warm by then.

Any help on the problems above and advice on this would be appreciated, including any other problems known to these cars. How long do the automatic transmissions generally last in these cars?

She's asking 1200 "firm"... what do you guys think?

[dem2757]

the oil from the rear main usually leaks into the bellhousing and will pool in thier and then onto the ground. or it will run down the side of the tranny, i dont think it will pool on top.

the distributor and valve cover will leak and land onto the transmission.

the trannies last anywhere from 100k to lifetime. depends on luck/ how it was driven. i4 versions have more reliable trannies than the v6. the trannies fluid level is read when hot (needle in the middle after 15 minutes of highway) and on a level surface with the car on

try for 1k or 1100. post up some pictures if you can. it needs some work, and the 200 she shouldnt miss too much.

the cooling system on these yotas is the best ive seen so far. the cars gets to 170-180 F fast(best operating temp=better performance)

[remerbt]

Thanks man. I knew the car needed to be running to check the tranny and totally forgot. I checked it while off. However, it did have a cold and hot mark on the dip stick. Does it not matter and has to be warm?

That seems to be good news about the leak. What does it entail to fix the distributor and valve cover seals? It still worries me about how much oil it was leaking. I've never actually seen oil pool in motors before, its always just soaked up with dirt etc.

If it doesn't sound like the main rear seal then I may pay a mechanic 50 bucks and get it checked out to be safe if I decide to go forward with it. I have a mechanic who has been good to me in the past so he may even do it for cheaper.

[dem2757]

you could always take the car to a shop and get it inspected first. i think md inspections is 65 but it beats buying a 1k throwaway.

the cold mark is crude. it works but its like trying to read the engine oil while its on a hill. often it'll underestimate the total fluid.

the seals is a day job if you wanna do it 100 percent right. valve cover is easy, you just unbolt the bug nuts around the plug tubes and then lift the cover off. the dizzy is a bit harder cause its a tiny o ring and you must remember where the thing was aligned or else your timing will be off.

[Sturdavj]

Engine rebuilt at 180K mi, that is a little early for a RB. Sound like (1) Neglect (2) Hard life, or both....
My advice would be to spend a little more time looking, for $1200.00 I think you might something of that vintage

[remerbt]

Thanks for the help guys. This car just didn't feel right and I passed on it. However, I found something I think I'll be much happier with.

I know I may get banned since its a toyota forum, but I picked up a 97 accord with 70k miles for 2.6k. KBB was 3.7-4.6, so I'm pretty happy with it even though it was near double my budget.

[white90dx]

Its probably a decent choice. Make sure you keep up on the valve adjustments and timing belt (IE, consider doing both right away)...

-Charlie

[dem2757]

Originally Posted by white90dx

Its probably a decent choice. Make sure you keep up on the valve adjustments and timing belt (IE, consider doing both right away)...

-Charlie

definitely do this. interference engines dont like to lose belts or go out of spec...