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.
I must saddly add my name to the list of deeply disappointed Toyota Owners with the Head Gasket/ stripped bolts problem. My 2002 Camry has 136000 miles and has been well maintained when the head gasket blew last week during normal usage. BEFORE my mechanic began the work he explained to me that the Camry had a problem with the steel bolts stripping the threads in the engine when removed and that if this happened the only reasonable solution was a new or used engine. Unfortunately the stripping did occur and I had to put 5800 into a new 2009 scion that he believes he can install in my camry.
I am by no means an engineer but it seems to me that there is an inherent flaw in any aluminum engine using steel bolts - the latter will almost certainly over time strip the threads on the softer aluminum. I have yet to file a claim with Toyota but certainly intend to do so. If my claim is rejected I also plan to determine whether any other actions have been filed against Toyota for this problem and to explore the possibility of having a local law firm that has engaged in a number of class action suits to consider this case. Failing that I will be filing a small claims court action since our jurisdictional limit is 7500. Clearly this is a situation that is known to reputable mechanics as a flaw and one which I hope Toyota will address not just in my claim but in all those that have or will be filed.
It's those long bolts my mechanic told me about... they loose their thread for some reason, I think that's what he said.
I recently was told that my 2003 Toyota Camry had a blown head gasket. The technician at a privately owned repair shop said that my coolant was leaking and caused the car to run hot. The technician put the car on a rack and removed the foam piece and said the coolant was leaking from the head gasket. After further checking the gasket, it was found to have three stripped head bolts. They were able to pull the bolts out by hand. I was told that it was nothing they could do except replace the engine. I went to the dealership today (Springhill Toyota in Alabama) and spoke with the owner. He told me that it was probably something I did and I could have the car towed to them and they would check it out and try to repair it at a reduced rate. He also told me this is the first time he has heard of this happening which I don't believe. Now, it is mighty strange that everyone on this forum is having the same problem, and Toyota or the dealership won't own up it to the fact that it is a defect. I did find a kit that is suppose to repair the problem and the cost of it is 315.00. It doesn't do any good to have the engine replaced because you will have the same problem later on. I told my mother to purchase a camry and she bought a 2005. Her model has also been having problems. Luckily her car has low mileage. I am very upset that Toyota has been ignoring customer complaints about this situation. If anyone is interested in the kit the website is posted below.
02-05 or so = stripped headbolts only on 4cyl, the heads arent a problem, just the fact that the bolts arent tapped in far enough. Its fixable if the engine isnt overheated.
Toyotas quality basically hit the shitter about 02-03. Hasn't really improved much either.
The Following User Says Thank You to carsrus For This Useful Post:
02-05 or so = stripped headbolts only on 4cyl, the heads arent a problem, just the fact that the bolts arent tapped in far enough. Its fixable if the engine isnt overheated.
Toyotas quality basically hit the shitter about 02-03. Hasn't really improved much either.
thanks... i called to find out the year and was told it's a '01 .. that was a close call.
02-05 or so = stripped headbolts only on 4cyl, the heads arent a problem, just the fact that the bolts arent tapped in far enough. Its fixable if the engine isnt overheated.
Toyotas quality basically hit the shitter about 02-03. Hasn't really improved much either.
Well that sucks! What's the repair?... helicoil the tapped holes?... or just drill and re-tap deeper?
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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.
I ran across this discussion when I was doing some research into buying a 2006 camry. But I nixed that idea of a newer Camry when I found out about the VVTI oil line bursting and lunching the engine. The fixes proposed seemed problematic so I decided to keep fixing mine. In addition the VVTI motors were interference motors...ugh
Anyway, there is quite a discussion about the problem. One guy was a mechanic and said that he had 2 Camrys parked in his lot with the stripped head bolts and he wanted $1,200 to fix them, and the owners couldn't pay that amount, and the cars wouldn't run, so they just sat there. Sad really.
Another mechanic posted that he bit the bullet and bought the whole Time-Sert system for, I think $600 and said he had already done two jobs and was happy with the results, and was thinking of making this type of repair with his new purchase a new profit center for his shop, since the problem was very common with these motors.
I can't remember the exact year, but 2002-2006 (4 cyl models only) does ring a bell. Seems that the bolts fail, and the coolant leak is contained by some sort of sponge thing that Toyota put on the back side of the engine. So there is no indication of any coolant leaking. IIRC it seems to be on the bolts in the back of the motor more so than the front ones. Then when they finally go, it lunches the motor, or if caught in time, will require the head to be removed, and the block re-tapped for some sort of inserts, and new bolts. What a PITA.
The links and comments that he OP posted are pretty much what I remember.
Thanks! Good to know. When my Camry finally kicks the bucket, I know what to avoid. Although at the rate things are goin', I'm liable to check out before it does.
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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.
Yeah, helicoils do not hold up well and can back out. Use Time-sert:
Coolant Loss on 2002-2006 Toyota 2.4L, 2AZFE engines
The following information concerns the loss of coolant on some 2002-2006 Toyota 2.4L, 2AZFE engines. The location of this condition has been noted at the rear of the engine where the cylinder head bolts to the cylinder block.
It has been reported that stripped head bolt threads have been found on some of these engines during tear down. When the two rear head bolts lose their clamping ability they allow coolant to seep out at the rear of the cylinder head.
To repair this condition, engine builders report using thread repair tooling used for various GM engines. Specifically, Cadillac 4.6L engines use the same threaded head bolts (Figure 1). The head bolts for this Toyota engine may be reused if they are not damaged and meet the following length specification.
Using a vernier caliper, measure the length of the head bolts from the seat to the end.
Specified bolt length: 6.350˝ to 6.465˝ (161.3 mm to 164.2 mm). If the length is greater than the maximum, replace the bolt.
This information was provided by the Engine Builders Association (AERA).
I've ran across the same threads on 2az-fe engines & stripped head bolts when researching potential car purchase options. I stayed away from 02-06 4cylinder camry, that's a disaster... there is PLENTY of trouble with them (e.g. shitty U-series transmissions) ... then I started checking gen6 and early models (even V6) suck too ... so many initial problems (bursting VVTi line, horrible/bad engine/trans programming, problems with electronic throttle, eeek are these Toyotas or Kias???), and the damn VVTi & interference design, no thank you, I want something reliable and easy to maintain for a long time ...
that's why I took an 02 solara with non-VVTi 1mz-fe (lovely engine, really like it very much!) found a good one (with some masked unreported post-collision problems LOL!) at really good price, so I took it. mind that same year 02-03 camry V6 is already a VVTi engine, completely different cars!
another option was a 2003 (same model, trim, body, everything), but sellers were asking for way too much money.
Honestly if either of my cars die ... I don't know if I want a newer camry (or similar) ... I don't like new interference engines and general low quality of workmanship!
__________________ '02 Solara SLE V6 1MZ-FE/A541E Coupe .: Denso/NGK : Akebono SP : Philips 9011 HIR (low+high) : Toshiba HIR2 9012 (fogs) : Magnefine :. @ 131k
'00 Solara SE 5S-FE/A140E Coupe .: NGK : Hawk HPS : Philips XP : RCEng : Magnefine :. @ 82k
4SALE: connectors for Camry Headlight Wiring Harness and ECU
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1999 Toyota Avalon
found a good one (with some masked unreported post-collision problems LOL!) at really good price, so I took it. mind that same year 02-03 camry V6 is already a VVTi engine, completely different cars!
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