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 reservoir had become brittle and had broke apart at the upper corners closest to the side of the car, just age I guess. I asked www.toyotapartsales.com about the coolant reservoir, they wanted $70 or $80 (still a lot cheaper than the dealer).
I ended up just buying a bottle of epoxy glue (for plastic) at my local hardware store for $3 or $4 and patched up my old reservoir. If you can patch up your old one, go that route.
By the way, it sounds like your dealer is charging over MSRP, just keep that in mind when you are buying parts.
My reservoir had become brittle and had broke apart at the upper corners closest to the side of the car, just age I guess. I asked www.toyotapartsales.com about the coolant reservoir, they wanted $70 or $80 (still a lot cheaper than the dealer).
I ended up just buying a bottle of epoxy glue (for plastic) at my local hardware store for $3 or $4 and patched up my old reservoir. If you can patch up your old one, go that route.
By the way, it sounds like your dealer is charging over MSRP, just keep that in mind when you are buying parts.
The coolant reservoir on my '96 Camry also became brittle at the exact same location - the two outside corners. It almost looked like the sun had deteriorated the plastic in this location - but that doesn't make much sense because the reservoir is located under the hood. I patched mine up with fiberglass drywall tape embedded in 2 coats of two part epoxy.
You can also buy on Amazon.com for $11 + $12 shipping
The coolant reservoir on my '96 Camry also became brittle at the exact same location - the two outside corners. It almost looked like the sun had deteriorated the plastic in this location - but that doesn't make much sense because the reservoir is located under the hood. I patched mine up with fiberglass drywall tape embedded in 2 coats of two part epoxy.
You can also buy on Amazon.com for $11 + $12 shipping
Seemsl ike this is a common issue...or wear and tear.
My friend's 96 LE V6 is also breaking apart where it attachs to the fender - the two outside corners. I tried going to the junkers to find a Gen3 camry with a half decent one...no luck. All had broken or near to break reservoirs.
Yeah, sounds like a common problem. My Camry's is deeply crazed all over on top. Has been for quite a while. I expect it's going to shatter one of these times when I go to refill it, so I take the cap off VERY carefully.
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1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Mine broke in the exact same place as well. It's funny my car doesnt have the ABS unit and i usually had a leak of fluid there. Eventually i realized the coolant reservoir was broken. BTW when you close the hood; if you bend over, you can see that sun can get to the corner of the reservior. I just used m jb weld and patched up the hole.
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1995 Camry V6 LE - Sold
1998 Camry LE
1992 SC300 5SPD
1992 SC400
Albuynp - If the sun can hit the two upper corners of the reservoir, then that would explain the deterioration - Toyota probably didn't consider specifying a UV stabilized plastic to mold the reservoir. As a preventive measure, it would be a good idea to spray some opaque spray paint on the corners to prevent the sun light from hitting the plastic.
One of the things that I find very interesting on this forum is exactly how many other Camry owners have the exact same problems that I have with my Camry, and I am impressed with how willing everyone is to share their solutions. TN rocks!
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2002 Camry 2.4L Auto - 70K miles
2008 Corolla 1.8L Auto - 48K miles
Hmm...Bad design flaw on the Gen3 I guess for that part. I wonder if Toyota was brought to news about this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rty
You could also pick one up at a junkyard.
Most times it'll have that same crack. Only way you'd really find one at the junker is if the car had been in the garage most of the time. Then again, I doubt you'll find a Camry that had been in the garage all the time in the junk yard.
Hmm...Somebody might want to do an investigation. Say someone curious who goes to the junkers next time could go check a bunch of Gen3 there and see how much have crack or weaken (crack markings) on their coolant res? That would be a worth while survey since I doubt you could go around in a market place and ask moms and dads to pop their Gen3 Camry hood so you can go check their coolant res
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