I've got a 2000 Camry with 147000 miles on it. I just started doing my own maintenance about a year and a half ago and am currently working through a tune up. I had the clutch replaced at 110,000 and haven't had any problems with it since.

My Chilton repair manual recommends replacing the manual transmission oil every 30,000 miles, but the maintenance schedule only says to replace it under special operating conditions (which I don't meet). Any opinions on when to change the gear oil? And synthetic or conventional (both API GL-5)?

 

If the owners manual is confusing it does not hurt (and can help) to change the oil sooner then later, 30K is fine.

As to what type might ask at the Toyotanation website where owners are always trying new things.

Some have used Amsoil and Red Line products with success. Make sure whatever product you use meets the GL-5 spec.

 

don't have manual tranny camry, but have the 5 sp via a Nissan Altima.
In this I have/will change every 30K, using conventional oil.
Works for me; think it's worth changing because there's no filter in it.

 

Thanks for the input! I picked up some Mobil 1 Synthetic 75W-90 yesterday (Advance had a coupon). It looks really straightforward, so I'll probably try it this weekend.

 

well, Amsoil Gear Oil though costly, runs easily 60 000 miles, unless you really ripping it. sort of hard to do with Camry though, he-he.
you'll save yourself a lot of headache and cussing by buying fluid pump from Walmart (no, Walmart does not make them) for around $7. I am yet to see a transmission or differential or t-case where it will not come handy. One with 2 long hoses, sorta red/orange color. Thank me later.