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 name is Paul and I am in the Columbus OH area. I was just given a project 99 Camry 4cyl with 170k on the odometer from my mom.
The body and interior are in great shape, however it has a nasty sound from the engine. Luckly for me I am in no rush to get the thing on the road so I can take my time and go through the engine to get it back to where it should be.
To me it sounded like a broken valve or something like that in the top end, but the car really isn't smoking, and all of the plugs look pretty much the same. So I have started tearing into it to see what I can find. So far I have have removed the intake, fuel rail, valve cover, alternator, exhaust manifold, and timeing belt cover.
The cams look to be in good shape, but the timing belt is in question. If standing beside the car the side by the firewall probably has about a 1/4in of play which to me would be normal, but the top side really seems loose to me probably moves like 2 inches. Could this have been the problem?
If any of you have any suggestions of what to look for or tricks I am always willing to learn and apprecieate any and all help!
I would fix it and sell it but I have a daughter that will be driving soon and will be needing a vehicle. So it looks like it will be in the family for awhile longer.
I would fix it and sell it but I have a daughter that will be driving soon and will be needing a vehicle. So it looks like it will be in the family for awhile longer.
you may be better off just looking for a new motor at the salvage yard.
You should be able to pick up a good used 5sfe for $300-$600.00 that will be reliable. After the motors are swapped, you can look into repairing the one that's in it right now for a back-up and familiarize yourself with the motor
These cars are very reliable if maintained correctly. At 170,000 miles with motor trouble already is not a good sign. It honestly could have just been a loose belt if the timing belt hasn't been changed in a while. The 5sfe motors have a manual tensioner on them, so you adjust it once. Once it stretches out, it starts to slap the timing cover making a sound almost like a valve.
Then skips a tooth or breaks and your down for a day or so replacing it
Loose timing belts are a problem with these manually tensioned designs. It's very possible the belt was slapping the timing cover.
If you remove all those parts might as well check the valve clearances and replace the valve stem seals. I'd use the Fel-Pro set from rockauto.com. Do a complete timing belt job.
Check and clean the EGR pipe from the exhaust manifold and see if there is carbon build up. New PCV valve and grommet. You're going to need new o-rings for the injectors once removed.
Drop the transmission pan and replace the strainer. Use a synthetic blend ATF like Castrol import multi-vehicle ATF or Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V that's suitable for Dexron III applications. Change the ATF in the differential too. The same ATF can go in the PS system.
And see how the engine runs with a new timing belt. Do an engine oil pressure check too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by V65rider
Hey Guys and gals,
My name is Paul and I am in the Columbus OH area. I was just given a project 99 Camry 4cyl with 170k on the odometer from my mom.
The body and interior are in great shape, however it has a nasty sound from the engine. Luckly for me I am in no rush to get the thing on the road so I can take my time and go through the engine to get it back to where it should be.
To me it sounded like a broken valve or something like that in the top end, but the car really isn't smoking, and all of the plugs look pretty much the same. So I have started tearing into it to see what I can find. So far I have have removed the intake, fuel rail, valve cover, alternator, exhaust manifold, and timeing belt cover.
The cams look to be in good shape, but the timing belt is in question. If standing beside the car the side by the firewall probably has about a 1/4in of play which to me would be normal, but the top side really seems loose to me probably moves like 2 inches. Could this have been the problem?
If any of you have any suggestions of what to look for or tricks I am always willing to learn and apprecieate any and all help!
I am sure the timing belt has at least 80K on it so that may what the problem is.
Do you know if these engines have a space between the valve and the top of the piston in case the belt did slip? I am hoping that if the belt did slip that the valves and pistons are undamaged.
I am sure the timing belt has at least 80K on it so that may what the problem is.
Do you know if these engines have a space between the valve and the top of the piston in case the belt did slip? I am hoping that if the belt did slip that the valves and pistons are undamaged.
Yeah your fine if the belt breaks. the 5sfe is non interference
If any of you have any suggestions of what to look for or tricks I am always willing to learn and apprecieate any and all help!
imho, replacing an engine is sooo much easier than rebuilding one - and cheaper. not sure if you have an iaai near you (check out iaai.com), but you can get a good low mileage wrecked car for a decent price.
That's a misconception. That's not always the case.
I broke my timing belt on my 95 at almost 6,000 rpm with no adverse effects
There is no way possible if a belt breaks on a non-interference motor for the pistons to hit the valves.
The only way this could possibly happen is if the connecting rods somehow stretched, causing them to slam the valves, or if the Valves somehow dropped down far enough to hit the piston top.
Also, if the pistons spun sideways it could smash the valves.
All of these circumstances are virtually impossible. especially the last one
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95 Camry
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