94 Camry 4 cyl blown gasket?

[pm6163]

Friend just gave me a 1994 Camry 4 cylinder, with less than 30,000 miles. The coolant keeps getting less, and the engine oil keeps getting more, this is the reason why she is giving to me, the fix maybe too much for her to handle. Hard to believe the gasket may be leaking with less than 30,000 miles.

In about 20 minutes drive, 1/3 of the reservisor will be gone, and I think oil gets diluted. Engine runs ok, no steam or smoke out from tailpipe. How do I check if head gasket is blown or leaking ? Can I borrow the compression gauge from Advanced Auto Parts? or PepBoys? Any help is appreciated.

[RIP]

Sounds like you're on the right course. Get the compression checked asap before you trash the engine.

Mileage and time are key to gasket life. Sitting in a garage with no activity can be just as hard on components as high mileage. It appears this was a drive to church on Sundays car and not much more. In spite of your problem you got a pretty good deal.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by pm6163

Friend just gave me a 1994 Camry 4 cylinder, with less than 30,000 miles. The coolant keeps getting less, and the engine oil keeps getting more, this is the reason why she is giving to me, the fix maybe too much for her to handle. Hard to believe the gasket may be leaking with less than 30,000 miles.

In about 20 minutes drive, 1/3 of the reservisor will be gone, and I think oil gets diluted. Engine runs ok, no steam or smoke out from tailpipe. How do I check if head gasket is blown or leaking ? Can I borrow the compression gauge from Advanced Auto Parts? or PepBoys? Any help is appreciated.

pm6163,

If your are losing coolant from the headgasket then you should be able to see it by opening the hood and look around the middle area of the engine. If you see a yellowish color type drip then for sure you have a blown or weak gasket. I heard the cheapest way might be to have the mechanic torque the head bolts down to recreate a seal. If that doesn't work then I believe Toyota has a repair kit for it. Your last solution would be to have the entire gasket changed and that's pricey to say the least cuz at the same time you may as well do a valve job at the same time.

Headgaskets are a weak link in the Toyota chain.


rimfire,22

[pm6163]

Thanks for the repair kit info. I searched a bit and found 3 different brands on the internet, wondering if the product real works? Anyone used the repait kit before with success?

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by pm6163

Thanks for the repair kit info. I searched a bit and found 3 different brands on the internet, wondering if the product real works? Anyone used the repait kit before with success?

pm6163,

I feel you have nothing to lose by trying it regardless. It is still far cheaper than to go through the big expense of having the entire headgasket changed.

Good luck,

rimfire,22

[pm6163]

The camry is a 96 model, though was a 94 model. Anyway, replaced the head gasket, head bolts, and manifold gasket, but coolant still goes into oil. Gaskets are from Advanced Auto Parts.

Just as before repair, don't see white smoke out from exhaust, everything seemed to be working fine, except coolant goes into oil. Are there any possible cause besides head gasket? Any suggestions are appreciated.

[KimMG]

A crack between the coolant jacket and the oil passages. When you replaced the head gasket, did you check the head to make sure it wasn't warped or cracked? Did make sure the manifold wasn't warped or cracked?

[pm6163]

Originally Posted by KimMG

A crack between the coolant jacket and the oil passages. When you replaced the head gasket, did you check the head to make sure it wasn't warped or cracked? Did make sure the manifold wasn't warped or cracked?

No, did not check. now, assuming there is crack, can the cooling system sealant repair kit fix that, such as "steel-seal"? If repair kit won't, how do we fix a wraped or cracked head? Thanks.

[KimMG]

Warped head- take to a machine shop. They can resurface it.

Cracked head- take to a machine shop. Machine shop can also check for cracks. Sometimes the cracks can be welded otherwise you have to replace the head.

The brand of headgasket I always try to use is Fel-Pro. Never had a problem with them. Just make sure the mating surfaces are clean.

The link below tells how to use a straight edge to check for warpage.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8013e9bc.jsp

[KimMG]

Don't know how well sealing kits work. If you do the job right it should last 100K miles. Out of curiosity, which repair manual did you use?