ENGINE PARTS LOCATION
Q: Where is my PCV valve? I have a 1997 Corolla and I have no clue.
A: Try Autozone Repair Information - click on "Component Location":
http://www1.autozone.com/servlet/UiB...epair_info.jsp
GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND TECHNIQUES
Q: What maintenance should I do on my Corolla? I am not an accomplished mechanic, but I have tools and can do simple stuff, given some instructions. Any hints and general information for guys like me?
A: Here are instructions for recommended maintenance on a 3rd gen Camry. Other generation Camrys may differ slightly, but the concepts and techniques are the same and the specific requirements are very close to general information for all Toyotas.
5S-FE 2.2L I4
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COMMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS
What Brand of Air Filter Performs Best?
Here is a study of a number of brands of air filters using ISO 5011:
http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm
Power Steering Fluid Change
Here is a procedure from toyotanation with pics:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t19334.html
Spark Plug Change
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=419457
Use only Toyota-recommended spark plugs.
Since the heads on both the above engines are aluminum, you must coat the spark plug threads with a small amount of anti-seize compound before you install them.
Start threading the spark plugs by using a rubber hose pushed over the insulator of the spark plug so that you don't accidentally damage the threads in the head. If one doesn't go in easily, back it out and try again. Don't force them. Cross-threading the spark plug holes will eventually cost you money.
Oil Weight Recommendation
Use 5W-30 oil under all conditions unless you live in Arizona, Southern Texas, Fargo, etc. There is a significant benefit to getting the oil flowing immediately after start-up.
Replacing Engine Coolant.
Make sure you get all the air out of the system before you cap the radiator. Run the engine at idle with the radiator cap off and add coolant as necessary to keep the radiator full of coolant. Once the engine reaches operating temperature and the coolant begins to overflow, replace the radiator cap and fill the coolant reservoir to the hot line. Check the coolant level in the reservoir after the next time you drive it and it has had a chance to cool down.
Valve Clearance Adjustment
In general, you don't have to adjust the valve clearances in these engines unless you have modified the valve train in some way. Leave well-enough alone unless you have a specific need.
Drive Shaft Boots Preventive Maintenance
Spray them with silicone lubricant (WD-40 has also been recommended to me) every time you are under the car for an oil change. This will prevent them from drying out and they will last forever. Cracked and leaking boots are common after 6-8 years without some treatment and replacing the half-shafts because of this is expensive.
Replacing Transmission Fluid
It is preferable to flush the transmission and replace all the fluid this way, rather than just draining the small amount of fluid in the pan. The vast majority of the transmission fluid is trapped in the torque converter and the valve body and is not changed by draining the pan only. I have been told that it is unnecessary to change the filter in the transmission. It is wire mesh and only meant to keep chunks of stuff out of the valve body.
If your serious about transmission maintenance, try this link for parts and transmission repair manuals:
http://www.drivetrain.com/autotransoverhaulkits.html
General Maintenance
Always use a torque wrench to tighten fasteners to the recommended torque value. A pair of torque wrenches (one large and one small) are indespensible for auto maintenance, particularly when you have an aluminum engine/head. Two torque wrenches I recommend (or their equivalent) are:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...&vertical=TOOL
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00944593000
These are micrometer-style torque wrenches. You dial in the required torque and then the wrench clicks strongly when you exert the force necessary to tighten the bolt. To keep their accuracy, store them with the torque setting on a very low value. You can pay alot more for better wrenches, but these are more than adequate. Evenness of torque around a bolt pattern is more important that the actual torque value of the pattern.
Don't extend the lever arm of a torque wrench with a crow's foot or other device. If you make the socket end of the torque wrench longer, you increase the torque applied to the bolt. If you have to use a lengthening adapter, use it at a 90 degree angle to the torque wrench shaft.
Also, always make sure you are tightening a bolt or nut with lubricated threads (oil for steel hole, antiseize compound for aluminum hole). Bolts always have to go into clean holes. Run a flat-bottom tap into all holes that won't accept a bolt hand-tight to the bottom. Follow tightening sequences when provided - tighten gradually in three steps 1/3, 2/3, then recommended torque over entire bolt pattern.
Tighten bolts in a bolt pattern only loosely until all the bolts have been inserted and are threaded into the holes. If you tighten some down prematurely, it will be very difficult or impossible to insert all the bolts and you will have to loosen the tight bolts anyway.