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.
Having problems today with1998 Toyota Camry with 342,000 miles. The lost of coolant, not the heater core...floor not wet. Coolant backing up in reservoir its bubbling up and spitting out reservoir...splashing over everything. Have to put coolant in every two days in radiator. I think its the cap, but I am lost on it
Yeah, that's the first thing to try. If it's not holding pressure, it'll blow steam into the coolant reservoir. This is one case where paying the extra few bucks for Toyota parts is worth it. Or use Stant's thermostat with the "jiggle pin".
The other possibility is that the head gasket has failed, and exhaust gas is leaking into the coolant, grossly over pressurizing it and blowing thru the cap.
__________________
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.
Don't mention head gasket...that's a lot of money. Sometimes I have enough smoke coming out the muffler to fog the subdivision, sometimes it doesn't happen at all. I called NAPA to get a cap and they said it sounds like an air pocket is the problem. Going to purchase another cap...this is the fourth cap replacement.
Don't mention head gasket...that's a lot of money. Sometimes I have enough smoke coming out the muffler to fog the subdivision, sometimes it doesn't happen at all.Going to purchase another cap...this is the fourth cap replacement.
Denial won't solve the problem.
Quote:
I called NAPA to get a cap and they said it sounds like an air pocket is the problem.
Yea, parts guys can diagnose over the phone.
__________________
1995 Camry Wagon LE. 2.2 4cyl, 5S-FE, Auto, 187K
Don't mention head gasket...that's a lot of money. Sometimes I have enough smoke coming out the muffler to fog the subdivision, sometimes it doesn't happen at all. I called NAPA to get a cap and they said it sounds like an air pocket is the problem. Going to purchase another cap...this is the fourth cap replacement.
Air pockets don't cause the exhaust to blow enough smoke to fog the subdivision. After 4 rad caps, and the intermittent smoke blowing, I think it's safe to say the head gasket is blown.
__________________
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, that's the first thing to try. If it's not holding pressure, it'll blow steam into the coolant reservoir. This is one case where paying the extra few bucks for Toyota parts is worth it. Or use Stant's thermostat with the "jiggle pin".
I don't follow the transition from talking about radiator caps to thermostats.........
Air pockets don't cause the exhaust to blow enough smoke to fog the subdivision. After 4 rad caps, and the intermittent smoke blowing, I think it's safe to say the head gasket is blown.
I concur! After 342,000K miles the car owes you nothing! Pay to have the head gasket fixed or find another one!.........
Change cap + thermostat and inspect water pump when you have the thermostat out. Flush everything good and put it back together. By pass the heater core if you wanna narrow down even more.
If you're trying the 4th cap, then maybe the problem is elsewhere. Get an exhaust gas test done. If exhaust gas is found in the coolant then it's either a cracked block or blown head gasket.
Autozone has a cooling system pressure tester on their free loaner program (with refundable deposit). Maybe try that first. Some parts stores have the exhaust test kit tool on loan, you buy the test chemical like $6.
Does the lower radiator hose become hot? If not it may be the stuck closed thermostat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephnel
Don't mention head gasket...that's a lot of money. Sometimes I have enough smoke coming out the muffler to fog the subdivision, sometimes it doesn't happen at all. I called NAPA to get a cap and they said it sounds like an air pocket is the problem. Going to purchase another cap...this is the fourth cap replacement.
Sometimes I have enough smoke coming out the muffler to fog the subdivision, sometimes it doesn't happen at all.
Just that statement is what is known in the business as "a clue". I'd almost bet it smokes like hell after you refill the radiator and stops when the radiator runs down. Really sounds like head gasket or cracked head to me.
Just that statement is what is known in the business as "a clue". I'd almost bet it smokes like hell after you refill the radiator and stops when the radiator runs down. Really sounds like head gasket or cracked head to me.
Wow, thanks for all the info guys. I thought water would be in the oil with a blown head gasket...guess I was wrong. I will take the car to the dealership this weekend.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
