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.
Its a timing belt, not a chain. Chains never have to be replaced. Timing belts on the Camry should be replaced every 90k miles. If you want to stay on the safe side every 60k is better, especially if you see any oil seepage coming from under the cover.
The Following User Says Thank You to carsrus For This Useful Post:
One good thing about the 5SFE engine is that even if the belt breaks, since the engine is a non-interference engine, unlike a lot of other cars, you won't have any major engine damage. Just a lot of inconvenience and maybe a tow truck ride home until you can replace the timing belt. When you replace it, make sure you think about doing the water pump, oil pump gasket, idler pulley, camshaft seal, crankshaft seal, etc.....
Thanks, I've been reading many of the excellent DIY's here for this job. It's definitely at the outer limits of my comfort levels, lol. I've done belts, hoses, spark plugs, radiator, replaced the front bumper cover and a few other things, but ... I'll probably just have it done when the time comes. Too many things to potentially go wrong due to my inexperience and things I won't anticipate on a car of this age & mileage!
It's not that hard of a job, the only way to grow in experience, is to keep pushing yourself to get better. Take it one step at a time and break it down in little jobs, don't look at is at one big job. You said you've done belts, well at that time that was the job. For this project that is part of the job, taking them off, and then putting them back on, just because they are in the way.
I've done a few belts and a neat trick I read about and used late time for replacing the cam shaft and crankshaft seals is to use the pulleys on the shaft as a press. For the cam shaft start the seal. Then the cam shaft pulley has to be put on backwards, and use the bolt to walk/press the seal into place. The crankshaft is cake, goes on like butter this way. I would say the seals are the trickiest of this whole project. It is more time consuming than anything, if you do the belt, water pump (have to drain down anti-freeze), etc. Draining the anti-freeze is easy, basically like changing oil. Use the petcock on the bottom of the radiator, let it drain and your ready. As long as you have it drained, could put in a new thermostat too, if you do spend the money of the top of the line Stant, it is better and about $4 more.
With all the information on the internet and digital cameras, take pictures as you go if you are afraid you can't get it back together.
One good thing about the 5SFE engine is that even if the belt breaks, since the engine is a non-interference engine, unlike a lot of other cars, you won't have any major engine damage. Just a lot of inconvenience and maybe a tow truck ride home until you can replace the timing belt. When you replace it, make sure you think about doing the water pump, oil pump gasket, idler pulley, camshaft seal, crankshaft seal, etc.....
Dave
...unless it happens to break on the highway going 60+ miles an hour, or trying to pass a slowing moving vehicle, or even making a turn in front of an 18 wheeler.
Yes, very true! I had a blowout why going back to college at about 70 MPH at around midnight one day. Quite an experience! Needless to say, I think I had to change my shorts.... My older brother was passing a semi one day while in California in the 70's and a tire blew on the semi and hit my brother's car. Luckily, no serious damage. You never know what's going to happen out on the road!
My belt broke while I was driving on the interstate last year. The Car simply stopped running; almost like running out of gas. I pulled over called a tow truck and ~ 580.00 and three hours later, I was back on my way. No major damage. Got a new water pump as is always suggest with a new timing belt. In fact, the water pump being locked up is what caused the belt to break.
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