[Richard8655]

Long time observer here and have learned much from good advice and insight provided. Looks like maybe this is it for my 90 Camry Wagon with 145k miles. Loud continuous engine noises at startup today which I thought was my noisy alternator. Steam wafting up from the engine bay and coolant dribbling on the ground.

Guessing it's water pump replacement time. Called local garage and they said it could be anything without seeing it, but quoted $575 to replace water pump and timing belt (recommended at same time). Also have to make a decision if worth keeping this great car as not having the technical expertise and tools most here do. Then if having this done, it may be a continuous queue of next failing components due to age and wear.

Wondering if quote is in ballpark and what's next likely to fail based on age and other owner experience. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[white90dx]

Timing belt and water pump are NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS. They didn't 'fail early' or anything like that. They are supposed to be replaced every 60k miles. Keep up on coolant replacements (every 2 years) and the water pump will probably safely go 120k miles instead of 60k.

Make sure you have all the pulleys and tensioner replaced while you are in there. Also consider doing the front main seal and cam seal while you are at it.

-Charlie

 

[Richard8655]

Yes, original water pump so probably lucky it lasted this long. Hate to part with it.

 

[white90dx]

Another thought... if you are going to spend $575 at a mechanic, why not spend $150 in parts and $150 in tools and learn how to do it yourself - and save $300 and thousands into the future? The worst case with a 3s-fe is that you have to do it over... (no engine damage possible)

-Charlie

 

[TheFlyingDutchman]

To follow up with what Charlie is saying, if you have done all the maintenance you listed yourself a TBelt/Water Pump is not a huge leap. Of course, you'll need at least a day (I'd figure two for your first time).

 

[Kingdom934]

Took me a week to do a Cressida timing belt because I did everything front end and also did the tower cam gaskets, valve steam seals (Alot for a first timer).

Timing belt for the 1MZ V6 took me about 12hr first time but when I had to tear it down again to redo the seals (not having right tools!), I got down in and out of there about 6hrs.

It really helps having several backup cars though to get misc tools lol!

 

[Richard8655]

Spending days under the car experimenting with major parts replacement for the first time isn't for everyone. Time constraints and other schedules/interests involved. I can do basic but limited repairs. But at some point with major issues, local mechanic expertise is probably the best way for me.

I guess I was looking more for advice about typical longevity of gen1 components at this point, and what other parts are likely to fail in my planning going forward.

 

[BaronVonOttobat]

Well I have been looking for a wagon to tinker on...;D

 

[Richard8655]

There ya go. Alabama is a ways, though.

 

[BaronVonOttobat]

If the water pump went South, the car should too right?