Try getting a leak down test done. Your mechanic should be able to do this as it will require compressed air. That will test the head gaskets as well as the valves to see if there are any leaks in individual as well as adjacent cylinders. Sometimes it's the smart thing to just sell it & get what you can before investing big bucks (you could be opening a can of worms - you do the gaskets but since the heads are off you should do a valve job as well - see!). My '94 V6 has 226K on it& if something major goes (trans, etc.) I'd think long& hard about spending the big bucks - you'll never recoup them. Just my thoughts as I am in a similar situation - I love my car also.

 

Chutem,

Thanks for your advise............the car burns less than 1/2 quart of oil between oil changes and runs so well.....Have you heard about this Heal A Seal additive that Pedro talks about? If so, have you tried it?

 

your cooling fan is most likely hydraulic like mine. this runs off the power steering pump. check the power steering fluid

 

Toyota Camry mysterious overheating problems. Make sure the hose from the radiator to the coolant recovery tank is hooked up to the correct connection on the tank's cap. One connection allows coolant to cycle between the radiator and recovery tank. The other connection is for overflow. Incorrect connections will cause overheating.