Just buying an 5S-FE 2.2L

[steve76]

Hi All,

It seems I'm buying my 5S-FE 2.2L Camry 3rd gen here in Hungary.

I'm quite comfortable with servicing and parts, and I'm wondering if my O2 sensor is 100% good or not. Owner complains of a bad mpg, though I didn't experience anything since I don't have the car yet. Spark plugs are new. Which one does affect mpg ? Gas quality+plugs+O2 sensor +wiring +distributor?
Gas filter is new as well. Oh yes, piston rings etc are a main part, but theoretically they are good. Car has run 140k miles.
Valve cover gasket started leaking, that should be replaced, it sounds normal on a 15 year old car doesn't it?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Steve

[ycartf]

If your check engine light (CEL) is not on (and check the bulb to make sure it lights), then I wouldn't worry about the O2 sensors. Yes, O2 sensors and plugs affect mileage, but a lot of other things do too (tire pressure, proper alignment, driving habits, etc). I heard an auto parts guy tell a customer on the phone (who was wanting some miracle additive to increase their mileage) that the best thing they could do to improve their gas mileage was put a brick under the accelerator pedal (to keep from "gunning it"). And yes, a valve cover gasket on this engine is a normal thing to be weeping after 15 years. When you put a new one on, make sure and put the little spots of RTV in the indicated areas (cracks and sharp bends), torque it to spec, give it a few times of warming up and cooling off (week or so) and torque it again (has worked well in my experience).

Hope this helps,

[steve76]

Many thanks!

I will do this accordingly! Though I'm not a mechanic, but will have it serviced by my friends this way.

Steve

[vincentfox]

You replace the plug wires too?

It's probably leaking some oil by now. Valve cover is pretty easy, every thing lower side is harder.

I'd pretty much assume you will have to do timing belt, MAYBE oil pump and water pump. While you are in there, look over all the seals carefully. With my old GM cars, it always seemed the oil pan was the culprit for leaks. But with the 5S-FE seems a lot more places it may spring an oil leak.

The 5S-FE is a tank as a core engine, it's usually the accessory stuff that gives you trouble, and unless the owner has beaten it up badly I'd be surprised if the rings were gone. My 1997 has 213,000 miles (342Km) and can still get 35+ MPG on the highway, and averages about 27 MPG. I just put on new Michelin touring tires (Costco) and run them at 35 PSI cold.

After doing a bunch of minor rebuild work, I'm taking mine on a cross-country roadtrip (~5,500-6,000 miles roundtrip) and not worried about the fact I'm driving an "old car".

Take a look a the UltraGauge, I like mine for the feedback it can give me on realtime O2 sensor readings and engine temps etc. Instant MPG reading quickly taught me to adjust my driving habits to save more fuel.

[steve76]

That will be a nice trip, uh? Yes, I know these are coming. Oil pump should last more, no? Which seals should I change with timing belt? I've seen the kits on Ebay. Which one is enough? Is there any brand that is really close to OEM quality, or just go for AISIN regarding water pump? Of course I'm limited a bit because of shipping. Will take a look around here too for parts.

Steve

[ycartf]

There are a few mentions of a good OEM kit in this thread -

Problems with my newly purchased, used 1997 Toyota Camry LE 4cyl 5SFE