help please

[93XLEcamry]

ok before anyone bashes me on this thread, i have done searches on TN and online, but still no help...well there were some but very little...it was inconclusive...

my problem is my coolant is leaking somewhere....its not dripping or anything, but i would have to fill it up (not much) every time i drive...i've read post and it says that it can be a blown head gasket or something, which i don't doubt because recently i've seen white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe..but my check engine is not on...

after driving on the freeway, i would smell coolant from the engine bay...and the tank reservoir would fill up, which i dont know why..

i recently change my radiator, and after that this happen??

could it be that there is something wrong with the radiator?

and i've changed both caps, but not sure how many lbs the upper cap should be, for the one on the radiator i have on 16 lbs....

helppppppppp

[ASG14]

Originally Posted by 93XLEcamry

i've read post and it says that it can be a blown head gasket or something, which i don't doubt because recently i've seen white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe..but my check engine is not on...

That means blown head gasket.

[JCamry94]

I'd get it taken to a dealer t see what they say. When the head gasket blows that thing will smoke all over, not JUST the tail pipe.

Could be warning signs though, go get it checked it out.

[93XLEcamry]

how much do they check for does anyone know??

[JCamry94]

Originally Posted by 93XLEcamry

how much do they check for does anyone know??

http://www.toyota.com/dealers/


Look up your nearest one mang, and call 'em up.

[davemac2]

Just bring it to any good mechanic or a shop that specializes in asian imports. No need to spend $$$ at a dealer. They can do a block test on it to check for exhaust gases in the coolant. They can also monitor the coolant pressure to see if it is getting overpressurized by exahust gases. From what you describe, it is very likely your head gasket. It's almost always #6 towards the front driver side of the car. HG replacement will run you anywhere from $1200-$1800 if they do both heads; almost within the range of throwing in a good used engine from Japan. Or do the HG yourself for $300 in parts.

dave mc

[93XLEcamry]

is it hard to do a hg change??

i've read about it in diy's and it doesnt seems too difficult...but not sure if i want to try it...lol...

and what brand of hg do you guys use?? i want a good brand not something too cheap

[davemac2]

A HG job is not super difficult if you are mechanically inclined and know a few tricks to make things easy. ie. you already do most of the repairs on your camry yourself. It takes a lot of time though to get the heads off and back on for this engine because of the 3vz-fe's intake stuff that all needs to be removed besides all the t-belt stuff as well. It will take you a good 20 hrs spread out over several sessions or maybe a complete weekend 8-10hrs per day minimum. It took me about 25 hrs spread over a week. You also need to be well organized and need to track where parts go. I did a 3vz-fe HG a few months ago and when I had it all back together, I had a bolt left that I had no idea where it went. It was a BIG bolt! lol

Most HG's for these engines are graphite-based and not the best, but they compress well for cases where the head mating surfaces are not totally flat. They are adequate for at least 80kmi I'm sure. Fel-Pro sells the graphite version. If you want the best gasket, Napa sells a rubberized MLS gasket made by Victor Reinz for this engine I believe. The HG is the most critical. You can skimp on the rest of the HG gasket set to complete the job with a cheaper set off Ebay for example. It is also advisable to install new head bolts which will run around $50-$80 for the set.

dave mc

[93XLEcamry]

wowow 20 some hours...thats longer than i've thought....the diys seemed simple so i thought it wouldnt take long...lol...now i dont know if i even want to attemt it...but it would be a good learning experience...