What My mechanic told me..!

[pradeep18061973]

Hi All,

I have recently took my 98 camry to the mechanic and ask him the things it needs to be done, and come up with the following results:

1. Brake/clutch fluid flush - planning to give to mechanic
2. Coolant flush - I did this cuple of days ago
3. Valve adjustment - not sure whether required..?
4. Valve cover gasket replacement - A small leak but no oil level drop so i am not so concern..! Also wonder whether I can do it myself.

5. spark plug replacement - if required planning to do it myself.
6. Wheel balancing - planning to give it to mechanic.


Can anyone please help on the above items whether these are required or any thought you may have and any advice.

Thanks very much,

Pradeep

[xtremeskier97]

Originally Posted by pradeep18061973

Hi All,

I have recently took my 98 camry to the mechanic and ask him the things it needs to be done, and come up with the following results:

1. Brake/clutch fluid flush - planning to give to mechanic
2. Coolant flush - I did this cuple of days ago
3. Valve adjustment - not sure whether required..?
4. Valve cover gasket replacement - A small leak but no oil level drop so i am not so concern..! Also wonder whether I can do it myself.

5. spark plug replacement - if required planning to do it myself.
6. Wheel balancing - planning to give it to mechanic.

1. Not that hard to do on your own, basically, you just have someone keep new fluid going into the resevoir while you go around to all 4 corners bleeding them until nice clear fluid comes out.

2. Good to do every so often.

3. You can check the valve clearances easy enough on your own. If they are within spec, leave them alone.

4. Valve cover gasket is easy to do. On the I4, it's plain easy, on the V6, it's easy, just more time consuming.

5. Easy to do. If you dont know when the last time they were changed, go ahead and change them and then keep track of mileage on them.

6. Only need this done if you are feeling vibrations in the seat or in the steering wheel when NOT braking.

Also, would be good to know mileage, engine 'flavor', etc to help you better.

[Kep]

While you may not be leaking much oil it would be good to replace the gasket of a known leak. It is amazing how the oil seems to accumulate on a rubber part that deteriorates because of the oil and then you have to replace the part as well as the gasket. If you haven't done much of this, do use a torque wrench to tighten to the correct specs. Most people tighten the bolts down too tight for the aluminum block.

Kep

[scott.joyner24]

usually you dont have to have the tires balanced alot on the camry, unless your rough on them. i have a 98 4 cycl. and the last time i had to balance them was when I replace all four $13,000 miles ago. just keep them rotated and correct air pressure to ensure proper tire wear and you should be good.
don't know any exacts on your situation but if it is time for a spark plug change have you considered changing the fuel filter, too? just a suggestion.

[toyomoho]

If a 4 cylinder engine torque the 4 large nuts holding the cover down and determine if this effects the leak.

[pradeep18061973]

Originally Posted by Kep

While you may not be leaking much oil it would be good to replace the gasket of a known leak. It is amazing how the oil seems to accumulate on a rubber part that deteriorates because of the oil and then you have to replace the part as well as the gasket. If you haven't done much of this, do use a torque wrench to tighten to the correct specs. Most people tighten the bolts down too tight for the aluminum block.

Kep

Thanks for the advise Kep,

I will try to change the gasket as soon as possible.

usually you dont have to have the tires balanced alot on the camry, unless your rough on them. i have a 98 4 cycl. and the last time i had to balance them was when I replace all four $13,000 miles ago. just keep them rotated and correct air pressure to ensure proper tire wear and you should be good.
don't know any exacts on your situation but if it is time for a spark plug change have you considered changing the fuel filter, too? just a suggestion.

I have bought this car recently, so I wanted to start everything 'right' from my beginning. Spark plugs have been replaced at 100,000km ( I bought it around 120,000km) not sure why the mechanic wanted to change them..!

Fuel filter also has been replaced around 80,000kms.

Although the car is 10 years old it has been well looked after and one owner.

Again thank you all for your replies, but as I am planning to replace the valve cover gasket please post me your valued advises on anything which will help me.

rgds,
Pradeep

[Hajoca]

Did your mechanic take out the sparkplug and inspect them before asking you to replace?

Your camry should use a sparkplug with two side (ground ) electrodes to last 100,000km.

In Canada the twin tip plugs from dealer are 12.50 each retail, and I could get them for $9.00.
I use these on the V6
I personally use single electrode ($3.00ea) on my I4 and change around 40,000km. The 4cyl plugs are very easy to access.

Rebalancing tires are a good idea if you suspect vibration, HOW OLD are the tires you have?

[Kep]

Do what toyomoho said before replacing the gasket. If one or more of those 30mm nuts is loose you may just need to tighten them up. Not too much force or you will strip the aluminum threads. Get the torque out of a manual.

Kep

[pradeep18061973]

Yep, I will try to tighten the nuts and see how it works.

I talked to the mechanic he said he has had a look at the spark plugs but are not platinum, I thought of have a look at it myself and see what has to be done.. but I am really afraid of whether will I break the plug when I remove it..!

Thanks,

Pradeep

[rty]

When tightening stuff just be sensible.

Spark plugs are very easy to replace on a 4-cylinder. Easier than changing the oil in my opinion.

[pradeep18061973]

Thank you all for your replies.

I have changed these by mechanic
1. brake/clutch fluid
2. Drive belts
3. Wheel balancing and rotation.

Now, when I checked the spark plugs it was carbon deposited, after googling I found that this can happen due to air filter block, anyway I have changed the air filter a month ago becuase I found that it was too dirty. I am also planning to clean the throttle (..?), however (I think ) we don't have seafoam here in aus, so I decided to clean it with a paper or rag.

I like to make sure I have done everything necessary to avoid the carbon fouling again becuase the plugs are pretty expensive ($104.00 for 4)

Can you please guys let me know anything else I need to do before changing the plugs.

Thanks very much.

Pradeep

[Chris Crash]

Use some throttle body cleaner to go back over the throttle body you cleaned with just a rag. A toothbrush or something similar would be great help.