2000 Camry 4cyl, Regular or Premium

[don24mac]

On my 00 Camry LE 4cyl, when I run regular gas it hesitates and doesn't have much power. With premium gas, the hesitation is greatly reduced, although not completely gone, much more power, and better gas milage by 5/mpg on the highway.

It's not the gas. I've filled from many different stations over the two years since I bought this car used.

Do the 2000's run adequately on regular or do they really need premium?

So far, I replace the (expensive) denso plugs, air filter, and done a compression check, which checks out OK (according to the Factory Service Manual) although cyl one is at the limit of difference (on the low side) between cylinders. Oil and filter changed every 3000 miles. The timing is correct.

I've had/have many Toyotas. Our 95 Corolla runs perfect as did our former 90 Camry. I'd like this Camry to run well, and be able to drink regular without the hesitation and power loss. My Mother-in-Law's 98 Camry runs excellent on regular and has more pep and power than my 2000.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

TIA

[Brian R.]

The proof is in the pudding. If it runs better on Premium, give it Premium. Sounds like regular gas is causing the ECM to retard the ignition timing when you use regular. This would explain the performance difference and the better mileage with premium.

[csaxon]

How many miles do you have on the car? Premium fuels have higher solvent content than regular. Try running a bottle of Techron through your fuel system. You can get it at Wal-Mart, Target or most auto parts stores. That's the patented solvent made by Chevron and added to most name brand premium fuels. Try the Techron and see if you have improvement. If you do then consider replacing the fuel filter and then adding another bottle of Techron. If you don't, then you have other engine issues.

[Brian R.]

Yes, techron is worth a try. See if it still likes the premium fuel better after the treatment. You may have some carbon built up in the combustion chamber that increases your octane requirement. If there is not effect from the Techron, you can try using GM Top Engine Cleaner. It is one way of getting rid of carbon deposits. Might work.

[Nathan4286]

It's all in the gas, that's why premium is more expensive

[Brian R.]

More expensive than what? Gold?

[don24mac]

Milage, 82,000.

I've used the STP brand injector cleaners in the regular gas. When I do, it helps the situation a lot. Runs almost as good as with premium. I've always thought it was because of the octane boost that it must be giving it. I'll try the Techron suggestion.

I would give it premium, but Yikes!!!! The price. If there's any way I can avoid that, I will. No other Camry I've driven needed premium. That's an 89, 90, 96, and 98, besides this 2000. So I'll keep trying for a solution. Hmmm, does any one know off hand what the compression ratio is for this four cylinder?

I'll try the changing of the fuel filter, and also carbon cleaning, or does the Techron do that. I have thought that it seems like the timing gets retarded when running regular, so it could indeed be carbon buildup.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

[Joe W]

Compression pressure should be 178 psi with a minimum of 142.

[AndyM1978]

Compression ratio should be 9.5:1 for that model.

[solidg]

I have a 2000 Camry LE V6. I now have 66k on it.
I have always used premium gas, this is what is recommended in the owners manual. I have always used mobil, it is more expensive but it is worth it.

My camry has started every day for the past 4 years. I also use all 6 cylinders.

[20camry01]

I have a 2001 camry 4cyl and I was told to only use regular gas by the dealership when i bought it. The car now has 91,000 miles on it and runs just as good as it did when i bought it.