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.
Hi all, I am sorry if this have been asked before but I need to know what's wrong with my car urgently.
I was driving back home last week and my camry suddenly died. Initially I thought it was my timing belt but when I opened the timing belt top cover, it seems to be intact... I rotated the cam shaft pulley, it seems to move perfectly. So I changed the ignition coil and spark plug.. nothing happen... Can't start.
Could it be the distributor itself that is spoiled? Cause it happened to me abt 2 yrs back... got it change (but it's 2nd hand) How do I check if it's working? And if distributor is working, what could be wrong? How do I check it?
Thanks a million for your valuable input..
See if it has spark. Remove one spark plug, insert it into the wire boot, lay it against a ground, and crank the engine looking for spark in the gap.
Hi BMR, thanks. I did that and there's spark. Oh yes, I recalled that when I removed the belt cover, I notice that the belt was slightly loose... as in it felt like the tension of the belt wasn't tight enough. so I shifted the top tension bearing slightly. Could the timing has ran off that it couldn't start?
Yeah, if the timing belt tensioner has slipped, and allowed the timing belt to jump a tooth or more, that could explain the no-start. Is this a V6 or 4 cylinder? The 4 cylinder's tensioner is prone to doing that.
__________________
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.
The Following User Says Thank You to BMR For This Useful Post:
Yeah, if the timing belt tensioner has slipped, and allowed the timing belt to jump a tooth or more, that could explain the no-start. Is this a V6 or 4 cylinder? The 4 cylinder's tensioner is prone to doing that.
It's a 4 cylinder... OMG.. it's so problematic removing the cam pulley. Looks like my weekend is gone. hmmm .....
Thanks again BMR..
Oh yes, BMR, what else should I look out for if I get the timing fixed but then it still won't start?
Last edited by fredrick1974; 02-06-2012 at 04:11 PM.
Get yourself a harmonic balancer puller if the Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) wont budge. On all my camrys they pull right off, but on other camrys..... Ugh, they fight the whole way off!
Hi guys, once again thanks for your help.. I manage to remove the pulley with the harmonic balance puller.. After I remove it and adjusted the timing, I realized I got more problem...
The reason for the tension to slip is that the main screw is loosen and when I tighten it, I am unable to.. I reckon that the internal thread is rounded.. What should I do? Please give me your thoughts.
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.
95 Camry
AUTO to MANUAL Swap Guide (3rd Gen) - 
Linear Mode
