Prepping '93 from long-term disuse

[geeniusatwrok]

Evening...

I'm buying a '93 LE 4cyl automatic (US spec) that has been more or less unused for the past 4-5-6 years. It gets started 2-3 times a month to keep the battery up and the motor juices flowing, and driven at best once a year, maybe twice. The car only has 35,000 miles on it and has always been garaged in a dry environment, so there's no rust.

No, I am not telling where it lives

I would do the obvious things like flush and replace all fluids (oil, trans, brakes, cooling system etc), check all the belts and hoses, and replace the tires. I will be driving it x-country from So Calif to the Boston area. Any further suggestions appreciated. I think I should replace the timing belt because it's probably all dry and cracked from age, though I think that this engine is a non-interference design (I hope) but it would still suck to have it go twang in the middle of nowhere.

Then I would like to ask what might be some problems common to this year/engine/trans that I should be aware of. I did do a search on "common problem 93" that didn't really turn up much. I gather that the transmission might be a weak spot (and someday I will convert it to a manual but not any time soon).

I don't know much about these cars but I guess that'll be changing real soon.

Thanks!

[uibalnme]

You've already mentioned alot of things to keep the car running. You should also change the spark plugs, cap & rotor, spark plug wires, O2 sensors, fuel filter, and power steering fluid.

As for "weak spots," having only 35K, the engine, and trans are brand new. If you keep the car well maintained, the engine and trans will last just about forever. The 4cyl(5sfe) does have a problem with leaking valve guide seals. However, that is only a common problem amoung high mileage cars with the 5sfe. The valve guides will not be any concern for you until you pass 100K.

[frenum49]

You mentioned the obvious. Now fill up the tank with premium fuel and add a bottle of injector detergent. Make sure the brake pads and rotors are okay. Don't forget to check the gear-box level as well as the trans fluid. You should be golden. Congrats on the find.

[geeniusatwrok]

Originally Posted by frenum49

You mentioned the obvious. Now fill up the tank with premium fuel and add a bottle of injector detergent. Make sure the brake pads and rotors are okay. Don't forget to check the gear-box level as well as the trans fluid. You should be golden. Congrats on the find.

Thanks. This should be a 10-year car for me because I don't drive all that much, though New England winters might do 'er in before then. Wonder if it'd be worth getting that undercoating stuff...

"gear box"? you mean differential?

[frenum49]

Originally Posted by geeniusatwrok

Thanks. This should be a 10-year car for me because I don't drive all that much, though New England winters might do 'er in before then. Wonder if it'd be worth getting that undercoating stuff...

"gear box"? you mean differential?

On the auto trans in this case there is a drain and fill plug towards the back of the trans that contains the ring and pinion gears. I run 80/90 gear lube for this application.

[uibalnme]

Originally Posted by frenum49

I run 80/90 gear lube for this application.

That is for vehicles with the standard front engine-rear drive configuration, but not for front engine-front drive cars. At least, not for the Camry.

All service manuals for the 92-96 Camry state that the differential uses ATF just like in the transmission. 80/90 gear oil maybe too thick, and cause the transmission to work too hard to turn the gears reducing the gas mileage.

I've always used the same ATF in my differential as I do in the transmission, and I've never had any problems. My 96 Camry still runs flawless even after 135K.

Here is a link to an online repair manual for the gen3 Camry. Verifiy for yourself.

http://www.**********s.com/camry/

[frenum49]

Originally Posted by uibalnme

That is for vehicles with the standard front engine-rear drive configuration, but not for front engine-front drive cars. At least, not for the Camry.

All service manuals for the 92-96 Camry state that the differential uses ATF just like in the transmission. 80/90 gear oil maybe too thick, and cause the transmission to work too hard to turn the gears reducing the gas mileage.

I've always used the same ATF in my differential as I do in the transmission, and I've never had any problems. My 96 Camry still runs flawless even after 135K.

Here is a link to an online repair manual for the gen3 Camry. Verifiy for yourself.

http://www.**********s.com/camry/

Go ahead and put ATF in your gear box. I use 80-90.

[islandboy57]

Originally Posted by frenum49

You mentioned the obvious. Now fill up the tank with premium fuel and add a bottle of injector detergent.

Premium on the 5S? There is no need for that. The 5S won't be able to advance its timing enough to ever take advantage of a higher octane gasoline.

[frojoe]

My 93' camry had sat in a garage for 6 years, never started or moved besides one trip across the road. I jump started it and drove it to the dealership. One quick tuneup (changed common fluids ect.) and I've driven it for almost two years since then with no maintenance besides oil changes every 3000 miles. It had 70,000 miles on it then, and has 85,000 now. I never even changes the tires. These cars seem to last forever.