Head Gasket - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CerialPhreak · 03-17-2006, 12:43 AM

So I was going to play around with that butterfly falve mod from a while back and i noticed that the block had quite a lot of oil on it. Looks like i might need a new head gasket. Im going into my mechanic on wed to confirm, but he quoted me 1200 USD to replace it. Being the broke college kid i am, i dont have the money... Does anyone know how to replace it and would be willing to walk me through it?

Sorry, forgot to mention ive got a 97 v6.

Cyorke · 03-17-2006, 08:09 AM

well that is not really something you can explain online. It would be much better to ahve someone there to show you. However there is a repair manual for the 92-96 Camry taht is at the top of the page. If you download it you can get the amjority of the info that you need. I know you said yours is a 97 but the engine is the same.

as for it being blown headgaskets and you seeing oil. More than likely it is valve cover gaskets. If you ahvent had those replaced anytime they are probably leaking and jsut covered everything with oil. WIth oil leaks you have to start at the top and work your way down. Valve cover gaskets are much easier and cheaper than head gaskets so hope for that.

Kep · 03-17-2006, 01:12 PM

There are also 4 circular gaskets at the top of each spark plug tube. The nut backs off on mine so from time to time I need to tighten them. Not too tight though!

Camrys are also know for oil leaks at a fitting (?) near the oil filter and the distributor body (where it passes through the engine body).

They make a dye that you can put in the oil and then look for it with yellow glasses and a UV flashlight. You could have a mechanic do that or buy the tools and dye and do it yourself.

Kep