1996 Camry Oil Pump Questions

Does anyone know whether the oil pump housing had a gasket between it and the engine when the car came off the assembly line? I just pulled my pump off and there is either no gasket or a metal gasket that is stuck to the engine side so well it looks like part of the engine.

Also, there looks to be some sort of sensor running down from one of the electrical harnesses up near the altenator that bolts to the outside of the oil pump housing. It is just a thick metal rod with a wire running into a harness- anyone know what it does?

Which engine? Have you looked at the factory manual for your car in the "Factory Service Manual" thread at the top of the forum? The info might be there.

Yes, there is a gasket between the pump and the block.

It is likely the crankshaft position sensor.

It's a 5sfe. I haven't seen anything specifica related to this yet in the manual...

Check the Generation 4 (1999) Camry manual for your engine. The '94 (the other 5S-FE manual) didn't have a crankshaft position sensor.

Be careful to not scratch or ding the CPS wheel on the back of the pulley.

[quote=Brian R.]Yes, there is a gasket between the pump and the block.

Yes, it was a metal gasket that was stuck on the block. Found the same thing on the water pump. Question for thos that read this: What are the overall feelings about non-Toyota replacement parts (aftermarket parts)? Also, how do people feel about gaskets- the originals were metal, but the replacements are fiber....?

IMO, Toyota gaskets are in general superior and I use them exclusively.

Before replcing my timing belt on my 1994 2.2, I went to Autozone and looked at there belt and then went to Toyota and looked at theirs and the OEM was a much better belt as well as the water pump that I replaced. Items that require a lot of work to get to, I too always pay the extra and buy OEM.....Some parts are cheaper for a reason.......