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External
Since: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:37 pm
Post subject: Head gasket on 95 Camry
Archived from groups: alt>autos>toyota (more info?)
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I have a 1995 Camry (125K in miles) with a 4 cylinder engine. For the
past year and half, I have been leaking oil (1 quart every 3000
miles). Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
leaks, replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the distributor O-
ring, checked the oil sensor for leaks and tighten up the bolts on the
oil pan. At that point, he gave up and said he couldn't find the leak.
Today a year later, he changed the oil and said the head gasket was
leaking oil and needs replacing. He did not mention any signs of
coolant in the oil or any signs of oil in the coolant.
My questions are:
1) What is the best way to determine that the head gasket is leaking?
I believe that my mechanic is honest but the track record on this
problem concerns me. I have spent a fair amount of money on the prior
fixes with little improvement. I am trying to avoid spending $700 and
still have my original problem. I will get a second opinion but would
like some guidance on how to trouble shoot this problem.
2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
live with as long as I monitor the oil light? |
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External
Since: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:24 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Okay, I guess I need to clarify.
The mechanic says that he detects oil with a UV light and no dye by
the head gasket. So he believes it is the head gasket (definitely said
head gasket. He already replaced the valve cover gasket). However, he
also believed it was the valve cover gasket the last time. Before I
drop $700+, I was hoping to get a better feel for how to determine
that this is my problem.
As for monitoring the oil, I plan on checking the dip stick regularly
to see how much oil is leaking and at what rate. Thanks for explaining
about the oil light. I would never trust an idiot light.
As for why invest money in an old car? That is the ultimate decision I
am trying to make. I do not consider a car to be disposable provided
that is safe and reliable. When repair costs go up, I then start to
evaluate the cost and hassles of maintaining an older car. This car
has had little problems to date. In my case, I have two Camrys and was
hoping to keep this one and replace the other when the time comes. I
am hesitating on this repair for two reasons, 1) I am not convinced
yet that this is the cause and 2) The repair is roughly 30% of the
car's value. I am also concern about future costs. I am on the
original muffler, the front bearings will need replacing in another
20K according to the mechanic, the struts are original, I have a
slight vibration which might be caused by worn engine mounts, all the
AC is original, etc.
As for the paint, it is in great shape except where the wife hit the
garage. Can't blame Toyota for that. |
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External
Since: Nov 21, 2007
Posts: 264
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:00 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Duh you have a 13 year old high mileage Camry that the paint is likely
starting to peal off, why not spend the money and upgrade to something with
less milage? NADA list your 4cy '95 at around 4,200, a simular '98 at
around 5,300 and a 2000 at around 6,400. Invest in mileage, not an old
car, WBMA
wrote in message
>I have a 1995 Camry (125K in miles) with a 4 cylinder engine. For the
> past year and half, I have been leaking oil (1 quart every 3000
> miles). Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
> leaks, replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the distributor O-
> ring, checked the oil sensor for leaks and tighten up the bolts on the
> oil pan. At that point, he gave up and said he couldn't find the leak.
>
> Today a year later, he changed the oil and said the head gasket was
> leaking oil and needs replacing. He did not mention any signs of
> coolant in the oil or any signs of oil in the coolant.
>
> My questions are:
>
> 1) What is the best way to determine that the head gasket is leaking?
> I believe that my mechanic is honest but the track record on this
> problem concerns me. I have spent a fair amount of money on the prior
> fixes with little improvement. I am trying to avoid spending $700 and
> still have my original problem. I will get a second opinion but would
> like some guidance on how to trouble shoot this problem.
>
> 2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
> live with as long as I monitor the oil light? >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:11 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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External
Since: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:17 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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The car runs well. The only other issue is a slight vibration under
acceleration below 40 mph. Very noticeable going up steep hills. I
have replaced the front engine mount and the top stabilizer. >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jan 28, 2005
Posts: 254
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:18 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Hachiroku wrote:
> On Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:00:17 -0500, Mike hunt wrote:
>
> > Duh you have a 13 year old high mileage Camry that the paint is likely
> > starting to peal off, why not spend the money and upgrade to something
> > with less milage? NADA list your 4cy '95 at around 4,200, a simular '98
> > at around 5,300 and a 2000 at around 6,400. Invest in mileage, not an
> > old car, WBMA
>
> Maybe at 125,000 miles one of your American made cars is ready for the
> junkheap, but a Toyota is generally just hitting it's stride.
And what did he mean by the paint peeling? I have an '86 Corolla with
paint that looks new, despite all the exposure to Arizona sunlight.
OTOH my Ford started peeling around the trunk after just four years. >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jan 28, 2005
Posts: 254
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 6:35 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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wrote:
> Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
> leaks,
> The mechanic says that he detects oil with a UV light and no dye by
> the head gasket. So he believes it is the head gasket
I don't understand. If the mechanic added dye and the oil hasn't been
changed since then, why wasn't dye seen under UV light? Doesn't that
indicate that none of the oil had leaked? Or does UV dye wear out?
> As for the paint, it is in great shape except where the wife hit the
> garage. Can't blame Toyota for that.
Mike doesn't understand good paint because he worked for Frod. >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:20 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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The oil was change between the two visits.
On Jan 17, 9:35 pm, "larry moe 'n curly"
wrote:
> wrote:
> > Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
> > leaks,
> > The mechanic says that he detects oil with a UV light and no dye by
> > the head gasket. So he believes it is the head gasket
>
> I don't understand. If the mechanic added dye and the oil hasn't been
> changed since then, why wasn't dye seen under UV light? Doesn't that
> indicate that none of the oil had leaked? Or does UV dye wear out?
>
> > As for the paint, it is in great shape except where the wife hit the
> > garage. Can't blame Toyota for that.
>
> Mike doesn't understand good paint because he worked for Frod. >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:38 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Thanks Ray.
The timing belt, water pump, idler, belts, valve cover gasket,
distributor o-ring were changed in the last 15K. The valve cover was
tighten after that. The oil pan bolts were tighten. When the timing
belt was changed the mechanic said the oil seals looked good. I should
have insisted that they also be changed but I was relaying on his
judgement. Placing cardboard under the car yields two to three scatter
oil spots.
The radiator fluid level remains constant but I will keep a eye on it.
The oil shows no sign of coolant but I will check with the mechanic
again.
The engine has never overheated. >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jun 02, 2006
Posts: 4627
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:53 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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wrote in message
>I have a 1995 Camry (125K in miles) with a 4 cylinder engine. For the
> past year and half, I have been leaking oil (1 quart every 3000
> miles). Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
> leaks, replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the distributor O-
> ring, checked the oil sensor for leaks and tighten up the bolts on the
> oil pan. At that point, he gave up and said he couldn't find the leak.
>
> Today a year later, he changed the oil and said the head gasket was
> leaking oil and needs replacing. He did not mention any signs of
> coolant in the oil or any signs of oil in the coolant.
>
> My questions are:
>
> 1) What is the best way to determine that the head gasket is leaking?
> I believe that my mechanic is honest but the track record on this
> problem concerns me. I have spent a fair amount of money on the prior
> fixes with little improvement. I am trying to avoid spending $700 and
> still have my original problem. I will get a second opinion but would
> like some guidance on how to trouble shoot this problem.
>
> 2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
> live with as long as I monitor the oil light?
Several others have posted good advice about monitoring oil level with the
dipstick and not the low oil pressure warning light.
There are several ways to check for a head gasket leak, but most of the time
a head gasket leak involves other symptoms, like white steam in the exhaust
from coolant getting into the combustion chamber, the oil taking on an milky
appearance from coolant getting into the oil passages, or oil in the
radiator and coolant overflow reservoir. To check for one of these
conditions, a technician can do a compression check or use an exhaust gas
sniffer in the radiator.
Head gasket leaks are not very common on 95 Camrys unless the engine has
overheated, and since you do not have other leaking head gasket symptoms, I
would check other areas first. At 125,000 miles, you should have recently
had the timing belt replaced for the second time, or be thinking about
getting it replaced. At that mileage, the camshaft seals and front
crankshaft seals may be leaking, and they are easier to replace when
replacing the timing belt. Remove the bolts at the top of the timing belt
cover and see if you can sneak a look underneath at the camshaft seals for
signs of leaks. Since your mechanic couldn't find the leak with the dye,
the next logical step is to look for leaks where the dye would not be
visible, like under the timing belt cover.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply) >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Jan 18, 2004
Posts: 142
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:52 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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External
Since: Jan 06, 2008
Posts: 53
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:47 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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When youre leaking oil like that in something that is 13 years old, its best
to just get it all fixed in one swoop. When we had the 93 we found a place
that dealt specifically with japanese cars, and they redid everything for a
low cost.
wrote in message
>I have a 1995 Camry (125K in miles) with a 4 cylinder engine. For the
> past year and half, I have been leaking oil (1 quart every 3000
> miles). Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
> leaks, replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the distributor O-
> ring, checked the oil sensor for leaks and tighten up the bolts on the
> oil pan. At that point, he gave up and said he couldn't find the leak.
>
> Today a year later, he changed the oil and said the head gasket was
> leaking oil and needs replacing. He did not mention any signs of
> coolant in the oil or any signs of oil in the coolant.
>
> My questions are:
>
> 1) What is the best way to determine that the head gasket is leaking?
> I believe that my mechanic is honest but the track record on this
> problem concerns me. I have spent a fair amount of money on the prior
> fixes with little improvement. I am trying to avoid spending $700 and
> still have my original problem. I will get a second opinion but would
> like some guidance on how to trouble shoot this problem.
>
> 2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
> live with as long as I monitor the oil light? >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: May 21, 2007
Posts: 1219
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:54 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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wrote:
> I have a 1995 Camry (125K in miles) with a 4 cylinder engine. For the
> past year and half, I have been leaking oil (1 quart every 3000
> miles). Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
> leaks, replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the distributor O-
> ring, checked the oil sensor for leaks and tighten up the bolts on the
> oil pan. At that point, he gave up and said he couldn't find the leak.
>
> Today a year later, he changed the oil and said the head gasket was
> leaking oil and needs replacing. He did not mention any signs of
> coolant in the oil or any signs of oil in the coolant.
Why don't you give him a call or stop buy, and ask him why he thinks
it's your head gasket.
> My questions are:
>
> 1) What is the best way to determine that the head gasket is leaking?
> I believe that my mechanic is honest but the track record on this
> problem concerns me. I have spent a fair amount of money on the prior
> fixes with little improvement. I am trying to avoid spending $700 and
> still have my original problem. I will get a second opinion but would
> like some guidance on how to trouble shoot this problem.
>
> 2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
> live with as long as I monitor the oil light?
Yes. Except it is not the engine oil light that you need to monitor
(although, you do need to stop the car immediately and find out why it
is on when it comes on).
The oil light tells you when the oil pressure is low. However, you may
have low oil pressure before it even comes on. If this occurs over a
period of time (low oil pressure, but not low enough for the oil light
to come one), you may find that you're getting the new head gasket,
along with lots of expensive engine work.
You need to keep the oil level in the crankcase up. To determine when to
add oil, check the level often with the dipstick.
Jeff >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: Nov 21, 2007
Posts: 264
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:54 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Oil indecater lamp has nothing to do with oil volume. The light is held off
by PSI, as low as 8 PSI, and will stay off as long a there is oil at the
pickup tube. Low volume will however cause the engine to over heat
"Jeff" wrote in message
...
>> 2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
>> live with as long as I monitor the oil light?
>
> Yes. Except it is not the engine oil light that you need to monitor
> (although, you do need to stop the car immediately and find out why it is
> on when it comes on).
>
> The oil light tells you when the oil pressure is low. However, you may
> have low oil pressure before it even comes on. If this occurs over a
> period of time (low oil pressure, but not low enough for the oil light to
> come one), you may find that you're getting the new head gasket, along
> with lots of expensive engine work.
>
> You need to keep the oil level in the crankcase up. To determine when to
> add oil, check the level often with the dipstick.
>
> Jeff >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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External
Since: May 21, 2007
Posts: 1219
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:44 pm
Post subject: Re: Head gasket on 95 Camry [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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Mr4701 wrote:
> When youre leaking oil like that in something that is 13 years old, its best
> to just get it all fixed in one swoop. When we had the 93 we found a place
> that dealt specifically with japanese cars, and they redid everything for a
> low cost.
Not really. There is no indication that there is a problem with the
bottom end of the motor. And we don't know if there is a problem with
the head gasket.
However, I wonder if the mechanic said "valve cover gasket" instead of
"head gasket" or he meant to.
Jeff
> wrote in message
>
>> I have a 1995 Camry (125K in miles) with a 4 cylinder engine. For the
>> past year and half, I have been leaking oil (1 quart every 3000
>> miles). Last year, my mechanic has put dye in the oil to check for
>> leaks, replaced the valve cover gasket, replaced the distributor O-
>> ring, checked the oil sensor for leaks and tighten up the bolts on the
>> oil pan. At that point, he gave up and said he couldn't find the leak.
>>
>> Today a year later, he changed the oil and said the head gasket was
>> leaking oil and needs replacing. He did not mention any signs of
>> coolant in the oil or any signs of oil in the coolant.
>>
>> My questions are:
>>
>> 1) What is the best way to determine that the head gasket is leaking?
>> I believe that my mechanic is honest but the track record on this
>> problem concerns me. I have spent a fair amount of money on the prior
>> fixes with little improvement. I am trying to avoid spending $700 and
>> still have my original problem. I will get a second opinion but would
>> like some guidance on how to trouble shoot this problem.
>>
>> 2) Since this appears to be an external leak, is this something I can
>> live with as long as I monitor the oil light?
>
> >> Stay informed about: Head gasket on 95 Camry |
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