1998 Camry, please help

[donut234]

Hello everyone,

I have a 1998 Camry, 4-cyl, 2.2L with 108K miles on it. I have been doing oil changes and had a "major service" at the dealer at 75K miles. I was advised by the dealer at this point to change my timing belt for $255 because it has not been changed yet. I was also advised to have a fuel induction cleaning for $100 and a valve shim inspection for $299.
Also, if I change my timing belt, should I change the water pump since it's right there, or not bother?

I don't know why they recommended the fuel induction cleaning (my car has no problem starting) or the valve shim inspection but then again, I'm far from being an expert with cars.

My car has no symptoms right now but I was wondering if I should do any of the above services and whether those are fair dealer prices?

Thanks for the help,
Clueless.

[gator2764]

Originally Posted by donut234

Hello everyone,

I have a 1998 Camry, 4-cyl, 2.2L with 108K miles on it. I have been doing oil changes and had a "major service" at the dealer at 75K miles. I was advised by the dealer at this point to change my timing belt for $255 because it has not been changed yet. I was also advised to have a fuel induction cleaning for $100 and a valve shim inspection for $299.
Also, if I change my timing belt, should I change the water pump since it's right there, or not bother?

I don't know why they recommended the fuel induction cleaning (my car has no problem starting) or the valve shim inspection but then again, I'm far from being an expert with cars.

My car has no symptoms right now but I was wondering if I should do any of the above services and whether those are fair dealer prices?

Thanks for the help,
Clueless.

If the waterpump has never been changed and it is time to replace the belt I would go ahead with both. All they are going to do with the injectors is run a can of cleaner through the intake, something you can do for a whiole lot cheaper by just buying a few cans of cleaner that you add to the gas tank, maybe running a can in each fill up. If the valves are not making any noise why waste $299? My 95 has 170K and has never needed any valve adjustment.

[yotatechie04]

I agree. Go ahead and have the pump done along with the timing belt. Don't bother with letting them charge you extra for fuel system work and valve work if you're not experiencing any problems.

[red-in-la]

4 bottles of Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner are $9.97 at CostCo.

My other message remains the same, FIND A FRIENDLY local mechanic and dump the dealer. Only bring it back for warranty work and NOTHING else.

Regards

[fredbros72]

if you are going in to do the t belt, good idea to do the water pump, it is right there, only extra hour labor plus part, have them do the thermostat, if that is original,
also ask them to check the crank and cam seal, if leaking oil, once again, they are in there any, should be all set for another 100k
as far as the injection service, your call, opinions vary, have seen improvements from some vehicles, can in the tank works well, straight into throttle body at high idle little more direct with better results
the valve shim inspection, ??? personally never heard of it , dont bother,

[rpmglide]

Had timing belt done as you mentioned, all belts and water pump for around $400 at Firestone. Good work, heater is now intensely hot.

[donut234]

I just wanted to thank everyone so much for the great advice. The advice is a great help.

Thanks again.