Timing Belt, Spark Plugs, and Radiator Coolant

[mikemustang289]

I just bought a 2000 Camry, with a 2.2 and five speed and have a few questions. Sorry for being a newb but I'll be around for a while.

First thing I did when I got it home was checked everything over since the car came with no maintenance records. I pulled the top timing belt cover off and the belt looks good, the seller (second owner) said it was replaced by the first owner, and it appears that way as the car has 120k on it now; the water pump looked new too as it was pretty clean.

My question is how much slack should there be in the belt on the tensioned side? My Haynes manual says "moderate slack", but it did not seem like the belt was very tight. I could move the belt on the tensioner and cam sproket side to side, I'd say about 1/8-1/4 inch with my hands; is this normal?

Also, I changed the spark plugs with Bosch plugs, since the guy at autozone recommeded them, but I noticed right on the timing cover a sticker that says not to run a plug with a single center and side electrode. It says a dual side electrode plug should be used. Denso plugs that came out of the car were the correct plugs. Should I ditch the Bosch plugs and go with what toyota recommends?

Finally, I need to know what type of radiator coolant the car is supposed to take. I plan to flush the coolant system next weekend and want to make sure I get the right fluid since some of the newer cars don't use the basic green 50/50 mix.

[71Corolla]

Well as for belt tension, it is very hard to say what "moderate" tension means, but from your description it sounds reasonable.

As for Bosch plugs, remove them ASAP and put in Denso plugs, original specification. They are the best and make the car run the way it should. Bosch plugs are junk IMO. I tried single electode Denso's on my 2001 and didn't like the way the car ran, It runs better with the original spec plugs.

For the coolant, buy Prestone premixed and you're good to go. To do a proper flush, remove the drain plug at the bottom of the block to get all the old fluid out.

[edit] BTW I think there is also a drain plug on both sides of the engine, but the back one is hard to reach.

[mikemustang289]

Thanks for the reply, I will go get the Denso plugs.

[ASG14]

Tensioner, not sure.

Plugs, as other said, go with the OEM recommended ones. they ARE the best for out cars.

Coolant, Remove the plug on the radiator, bottom, Passenger side, and loosen the plug on the engine block, on the left rear. Use the Red Long Life coolant, and do not get pre mixed, as you get ripped off. Get a 1 gallon jug, and get Distilled water for the rest at the store. WalMart is 99c I think. But thats the important thing, use DISTILLED water. The gallon is $19.99 normally at the dealer, which is likely too much $ for you (Most people will not buy it there).

Int he General Camry section, there is the Gen 2-Gen 6 factory repair manuals. Free to download.

Also, since your draining the collant, get a new thermostate and replace it.

[71Corolla]

Originally Posted by ASG14

Use the Red Long Life coolant, and do not get pre mixed, as you get ripped off.

I agree, but because very few people bother to use distilled water, it's a safe and easy way to do it right.

Why people don't use distilled water is beyond me. In many areas tap water has SO many minerals it will turn the rad into a stone.

[ASG14]

Originally Posted by 71Corolla

I agree, but because very few people bother to use distilled water, it's a safe and easy way to do it right.

Why people don't use distilled water is beyond me. In many areas tap water has SO many minerals it will turn the rad into a stone.

Espetially around me, as a lot of the people here are on Well water. Yeah, in that respect, it is better to use the Pre-mixed to avoid any damage.

[mikemustang289]

I will use distilled water, I use it in all my vehicles. As far as the coolant goes, are you talking about Dexcool (GM stuff) or is there a special type of red coolant used by Toyota?

[71Corolla]

I have a 1971 Corolla with the original radiator, the only coolant I have ever used is prestone or other generic green stuff, mixed with distilled water. It has only minor deposits and works as good as new.

My 2 cents.