I have a 1999 Camry 4 cyl. 2.2, with around 130,000 miles on it. Over the past few months I have noticed that I have to stomp the gas pedal a bit harder when merging on freeways and just a general lack of power. I have also noticed that the MPG is starting to drop (about 20 MPG highway, versus 30 MPG when it was newer). It is a stock, ho-hum Camry, no CAI or any mods as of yet. I checked the spark plugs & gapping, cleaned the air filter, and checked the throttle body for build up. None of this seems to be the culprit. Any suggestions on what the problem might be?

 

how was the condition of the plug,..were the tips black in color, which would indicate rich condition...how about the ignition wires,cap and rotors...is the car idling or running poorly?...did you check for code...check your timing...if you engine is performing normaly do aO2 sensor test and see what kind of reading you check (test: run engine to normal operating temp. rev engine to 3000rpm for 2mins..install volt meter to datalist connector in the engine compartment. positive to O2 and neg to E1...in ten sec the O2 sensor should bounce from almost 0 to .9 volts eight times or more..this will indicate the fuel trim is ok....

 

Put about a half of can of seafoam in the brake booster line while the car is running, dont worry it will smoke like a bitch, if you havent replaced your timming belt, i would do that and give it a tune up. what are some of the maintnence things youve done? Oh, and dumo a can of that seafoam stuff in your gas tank the next time you fill up. the

 

the seafoam cost about 6 bucks abottle and ou can get it at a local parts store!! good luck!

 

When I checked the plugs, the gapping was as it should be, with the exception of one. But that one was only off a bit, .041 on one side and .045 on the other, vs. normal of .043. As for as my fuel consumption problem, I did some better math this time around and found out my gas milage is up around 27 MPG. Which isn't as good as it once was, but I won't complain. But I still have the power problems. As far as maintainance, I do regular oil changes (3,000 - 5,000 mi.), and I added some GumOut concentrated fuel system cleaner about 500 miles ago. Maybe a K&N air filter can get me back to the previous MPG? Anyone have any opinions on performance air filters as a solution?

 

A filter alone doesnt make a huge difference. I have one on my explorer. Alittle louder intake and slightly better mpg and throttle response, but thats a cylinder, not just and OEM replacement. Like i said, try putting the seafoam in the motor. youll notice a BIG difference. Have you ever done a tune up (new plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, etc)? Just because the gappings correct doesnt mean its preforming at its best. the electrode can be dull and there can be smal build up you cant see thats effecting its ability to spark correctly.