3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
My 93 has been sitting for most of two years. During that time I've taken it on our street for quick spins. I've probably haven't had it out for close to a year, but would start it and drive it in our driveway up until six months ago.
Well I want to get it back on the road and was wondering what tips you have to offer as I prepare to get it going.
It's a 6 cyl with 144K miles. It was treated good prior to this time of sitting. As I already mentioned in earlier threads it needs to have the fuel line fixed and exhaust. Prior to letting it sit I had installed new back brake system (drum and shoe system) and I installed rotors and pads on the front. It has new Michelin's although I am assuming they have flat spots (does that still happen on tires?)
My concern is the engine, are there any precautions that I need to take? I figure a number of you guys have taken on project cars that may have sat for awhile, so I value your input.
- I know there has to be people here that can offer some good advise so I can avoid or at least be somewhat prepared for problems.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Strum
My 93 has been sitting for most of two years. During that time I've taken it on our street for quick spins. I've probably haven't had it out for close to a year, but would start it and drive it in our driveway up until six months ago.
Well I want to get it back on the road and was wondering what tips you have to offer as I prepare to get it going.
It's a 6 cyl with 144K miles. It was treated good prior to this time of sitting. As I already mentioned in earlier threads it needs to have the fuel line fixed and exhaust. Prior to letting it sit I had installed new back brake system (drum and shoe system) and I installed rotors and pads on the front. It has new Michelin's although I am assuming they have flat spots (does that still happen on tires?)
My concern is the engine, are there any precautions that I need to take? I figure a number of you guys have taken on project cars that may have sat for awhile, so I value your input.
I've never done this but I would think that you would want to clean the fuel delivery system (the gas gets gummy). Pump out the old gas and put in new (I would include a fuel system cleaner like Sea Foam or Techroline in the first tank). Replace the fluids (even though they haven't been used much they get old and loose some of their properties). I would consider pulling the plugs and spraying a little oil into each cylinder. Check rubber (belts & hoses mainly) for deterioration but they should be OK.
That's all I can think of right now.
Kep
__________________
Often, it's the loose screw between the steering wheel and the driver's seat that needs to be fixed first!
Thanks Kep, appreciate the input. I'm just trying to prepare a check list of things to address or check as I am going through getting the car back to good running shape.
BTW, how did you manage to get a picture of my mother-in-law for your avatar?
Change your OIL!!! your looses it's vicosity over time....so even oil that has only 1k on it, if it's been around for a year, will have very little lubricating properties left in it.
Buy "Marvels Mystery Oil" and place a teaspoon full in each plug hole, then put your plugs back in.
Before you start, take a wrench to the crankshaft and rotate the crank 360degrees.
Lastly, your oil has "leaked down" to the pan...when you start, you'll do the most amount of damage - to reduce some of that damage, disconnect each sparkplug, and try starting the engine..this will build oil pressure, and lubricate.
Kep, I noted that Sea Foam gets mentioned a lot around here as if it's some kind of miracle drug. I'll have to read some of the posts that are directed mainly about Sea Foam so I can get an idea of what it is.
Of all of the steps above, the marvels oil in the plug hole is the most important. Over time, condensation can get inside your block...causing your rings to rust to the side of the your cylinder walls. The marvels will help loosen the rings if this has happened.
Also, rotating your crank, do this after the marvels, and do it very slowly at first...if you do it in a quick motion, you risk the ring damage mentioned above...if it feels stuck, rock it back and forth a little, and remember to put your car in neutral with the e-brake on...
Well, I've been so busy with work, yard work, guitars, and the other cars, I haven't had any time to work on the 93 Camry.
I finally moved it into the garage, so maybe I can use it as a rainy day project. Here are a few photos. They were suppose to be bigger, but for some reason they remained small.
Interesting...ive never seen a V6 camry with 14" steelies on it. Thought they all came with 15" alloys. Learn something new everyday!
All the posts above are right on. Really good information. I have an RX7 that has been sitting for 3 years that I would LOVE to get back on the road..but the engine is seized from sitting so long. It's a shame too because it only has 20,000 miles on the rebuilt engine.
Good luck..and keep us posted!
__________________
1993 Camry LE I4 Bone Stock - 380,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
1993 Camry XLE V6 Bone Stock - 260,xxx miles (as of July '11) Blown Head Gasket
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT I6 - 107,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
Interesting...ive never seen a V6 camry with 14" steelies on it. Thought they all came with 15" alloys. Learn something new everyday!
Good luck..and keep us posted!
It's not bad for as old as it is, it has one very small rust spot near the rear well.
Curious, what makes you think they are 14"? They are 15" with a set of Michelin's. I looked at the pics again to try to figure out what gave you that impression.
I checked out your pics, tearing apart a car certainly doesn't intimidate you, does it? Sure wish you lived on my street, I could use someone with your knowledge as I get to work on this Camry.
I posted this before, but I love the kicker about this car. Purchased with about 78K for $5K, drove it until it had 142K (I know, my sig is incorrect), car was in a fire (smoke damage) and totaled - received $4K for it. Purchased it back from the insurance company for $250. A near free car - priceless. Although the fire scared the hell out of me and the family.
LoL....tearing the dash out really wasnt all that bad after I figured it out at the junkyard...but no...working on a car that I have no experience on doesnt scare me. Ive always loved taking things apart and putting them back together. When I had my 92 accord, I rebuilt the whole front end, from the frame forward....had never done that before either. Ive also tore a mazda GLC engine down completely to the head and put it back together after getting the head milled flat....had never done that before either. It's funny...I was talking to my dad yesterday and he's worked on his own cars his whole life, and he said Ive dove into things he's never done before (he did completely rebuild the engine in their station wagon when he was in high school though).
I just wish I had an air conditioned garage to work on them...as its been in the low to mid 90s here lately.
Well...if those are 15" steelies, then that's another thing Ive never seen on our gen models! Told ya...learn something new everyday!
BTW...did you get all the smoke smell out of the car yet?
__________________
1993 Camry LE I4 Bone Stock - 380,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
1993 Camry XLE V6 Bone Stock - 260,xxx miles (as of July '11) Blown Head Gasket
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT I6 - 107,000 miles (as of Aug '11)
Last edited by xtremeskier97; 06-01-2008 at 09:19 PM.
Interesting. Up this way I find I don't see a lot of the alloy's at all. Mine has, and a couple others I've seen have. Even at the wreckers I go to, I've only come across one set of alloys. Go figure.
Ive always loved taking things apart and putting them back together.
I have the taking apart figured out, it's the putting back together that has me stumped.
Quote:
I just wish I had an air conditioned garage to work on them...as its been in the low to mid 90s here lately.
That would be nice. Up here we need air and heat. When we rebuilt the garage after the fire, I had ceiling fans installed, but air wasn't in the budget. The fans keep the air moving, but when the humidity sets in only air can combat that.
Quote:
BTW...did you get all the smoke smell out of the car yet?
It's gone for the most part. I steamed cleaned the interior and kept the windows open whenever possible. In the pic you will notice the drivers window open, the passenger window was open a little more and all the crap in the air settled in the interior so it was close to black. Add to that the fire department shooting the hose all over the place and the interior was a mess. I'm gonna do a another cleaning and then spray the vents from the outside (I forget the name of the stuff you use to freshen the vents)
I'm at work and this is blocked, but I'll watch it when I get home.
Quote:
Above all I'd change the oil. Changing the other fluids wouldn't hurt either.
It isn't your daily driver, and you got it for cheap. That should give you more confidence.
I'm changing all the fluids - but no flush. I rather remove, fill and repeat before I risk a flush. I always seem to hear horror stories about people flushing fluids from various parts of the car.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
- I know there has to be people here that can offer some good advise so I can avoid or at least be somewhat prepared for problems. 
Linear Mode
