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Toyota Camry: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

5279 messages,  Last post on Aug 22, 2006 at 2:43 PM

You are in the Toyota Camry Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry Solara, Toyota Camry, Sedan

Messages Page 527 of 528

#5260 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [jander111] by smile1017

Aug 10, 2006 (9:57 am)

Replying to: jander111 (Aug 09, 2006 11:24 pm)
Thanks for the input. I called a few other places and the dealer. The average quote was about $1500. I guess the $1200 was right. My husband took the car in this morning and they will call us back to let us know what is wrong. Hopefully it's just the cooling system and not the head gasket. They only quoted about $700 if its for the seals on the valve stems which is about $300 less than the dealer. Hopefully that works.
 
With regard to the mpg, I will try again when I get the car back. Last night it was at 1/4 tank and was time to go to the gas station. I will try it for a month (4 tanks) or so and I will get back with the result.
 
I appreciate everyone's help. Thanks.
 
P.S. better than spending 30K on a new car. New Ducati here I come.

#5261 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [smile1017] by smile1017

Aug 10, 2006 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: smile1017 (Aug 10, 2006 9:57 am)
Just an update:
 
It was oil leaking into the engine causing a little bit of overheating. They are going to refinish the cylinder head and replace all the seals and the head gasket. Talked to the mechanic and he said that the engine other than the 117K miles on it should be good as new. He is also going to replace the idle control for me. Grand total $1393. I won't get the car back until early next week. He has to send the cylinder out to be refinished because there were some minor "dings" in it.
 
With regard to the fuel door, it was fixed with an easily replaced spring part for $5 at the dealer. I know I could have probably gotten it for cheaper, but for 5 bucks? Just popped the old one off with a screwdriver and snapped the new one into place.
 
Since the ending price tag was not too much of a shock based on the various calls i made, I guess I have to be content. At least no sludge like some other have.
 
I will get back with the mpg issue, but this new mechanic did suggest that when I originally put the 87 in, I may have been in the breaking in period. I'm not too sure, I don't really remember so I will test it again when I get the car back.
 
Thanks to everyone for their input.

#5262 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [smile1017] by 210delray

Aug 10, 2006 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: smile1017 (Aug 10, 2006 12:44 pm)
Well, good to hear all is (relatively) well.
 
As long as you keep to a regular oil change schedule, you won't have sludge problems. Plus you've gone 117K miles already, so it won't rear its head.

#5263 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [suydam] by psciortino

Aug 10, 2006 (5:51 pm)

Replying to: suydam (Aug 09, 2006 6:54 am)
We have a '99, 4cyl Camry. On 2 trips up the east coast from Florida we averaged 41 and 42 mpg on the highway. I keep the car maintained, use cruise control and limit my speed to 60mph. It's less stressful (for me) to drive 60mph compared to 80mph. Most cars pass me. Considering the great amount of construction on highway 95, 60 mph or as little as 50 mph is the allowed upper speed limit. Try it! Your budget will love it.

#5264 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [psciortino] by ray_h1

Aug 11, 2006 (9:24 am)

Replying to: psciortino (Aug 10, 2006 5:51 pm)
I don't doubt you're achieving the fuel economy you claim. I'm amazed, though, that faster drivers aren't trying to run you into a ditch. Seems over the past five years, the speed demons who feel it's some inalienable right to flaunt posted speed limits, take aim on compliant motorists - even when they're minding their own business in the right lane.

#5265 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [210delray] by toyoman1

Aug 11, 2006 (9:30 am)

Replying to: 210delray (Aug 10, 2006 8:06 am)
I checked the papers from the glove box because it was bothering me. LOL 210 Delray was right it was my Valve Cover Gasket. It only took about 3 hours

#5266 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [psciortino] by smile1017

Aug 11, 2006 (10:47 am)

Replying to: psciortino (Aug 10, 2006 5:51 pm)
I doubt that too. The highest I have gotten my 99 camry is about 33 mpg and that was because I was driving with the rigs from where I live (45 east of LA) to El Paso in March when it's not too hot and the rigs are going 70. I don't like going much above 75 and people (mostly other rigs) were trying to run me over. You may want to double check that or rethink your driving strategy due to safety.
 
How many miles do you have on your car?

#5267 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [smile1017] by psciortino

Aug 11, 2006 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: smile1017 (Aug 11, 2006 10:47 am)
smile1017:
 
The 99 Camry has 69,000 miles. We bought it new.
Safety: I've driven 55 years, had 1 speeding ticket, caused no accidents that I'm aware of, and have been been in 2 very minor accidents caused by someone else. I have driven cars, trucks and a school bus. I do stay in the right lane, mind my own business and do not get excited when given the finger.

#5268 of 5279 Re: 99 Camry Issues [smile1017] by jander111

Aug 11, 2006 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: smile1017 (Aug 10, 2006 12:44 pm)
For a Camry 4-cylinder, do not waste money on 91, regular 87 is the one to use. For a V6, I heard someone claim it gets 5 or so more horsepower by using 91 but I don't feel any difference -- HP or MPG-wise.
 
When you check you MPG later, try this:
1. Fill up.
2. Reset the trip meter. (A or B, either one. I use A to calculate MPG, and B to remind me oil change.)
3. Next time fill up, let the pump turn off by itself and obtain a receipt.
4. Write down the number of miles shown on the trip meter.
5. Miles divide by the gallons on your receipt. This is your MPG.
6. Repeat 2 - 5 to get your next MPG.
 
Simple but I know too many people calculate their mpg the wrong way.
 
Good luck with your repair.

Messages Page 527 of 528

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