I have a 2006 Toyota Camry XLE - 4 CYL with 347,000 miles. I had a rough idle when the Camry is in DRIVE, or waiting at a stop light. I recently been informed from my local Toyota dealership that my engine will need to be replaced. I took it in for a rough idle, but this was the news that was given. I have replaced the engine mounts with aftermarket ones, replaced the spark plugs and coils as well. The mass air flow sensor and throttle body have been cleaned. I have no check engine or pending codes. The spark plugs don't have any oil or smell of fuel. Has anyone experienced this before?

 

What were the cylinder compression readings?

 

Toyota did an engine cleaning and hydro locked the engine. After they got the engine up and running again, they performed the compression test. Cylinders 1-4 as followed: 80, 75, 90, 95.

 

The compression readings are very low. The result can be hard starting, oil burning, lack of power rough idle.

Did the shop also take readings before cleaning?

Does the engine run better, worse or the same as before?

Hydrolock can cause engine damage when staring.

One can put a teaspoon of motor oil in each cylinder to seal the rings better. If the compression goes up for the test the rings and cylinder walls are worn.

 

The Camry runs fine other than the rough idle, which is strange for low compression. The shop took the readings after the engine was accidently hydrolocked. The tech put in too much engine cleaner and locked up the engine. The tech found no damage to the valves or pistons. I was for sure the engine was done when I was informed of the incident. After Toyota manage to get the engine running, they basically pulled it out of the shop and said come get it, we're done with it. I plan on taking it to an independent shop soon to get current readings and see where the health of engine is now. This thing is a tank, but she's giving me a sign that something is wrong. I will see if the independent tech will do a wet compression test. I will let you know the final results. The Camry is driveable for sure, but not perfect when idling. I've done all that I can on my part. Thank you for help on this.

 

Well, I finally got the Camry looked at again for a second opinion. I am in great disbelief. The Toyota dealership tried to take advantage of me. The readings are as followed: Cylinders 1-4: 170,175,175,165. My engine is great with 349,000 miles on it. Tech is suspecting that the after market engine mounts are to blamed for the rough idling at stops. What a relief that is. I love this Camry very much, I wasn't ready to say goodbye.

 

What! Those reading are great!

Can you watch the engine to check the mounts for movement? Have someone rev the engine and look for excess movement.

The one that looks like a can is hydraulic.

 

Yeap, it was the mounts on the right side of the engine. The aftermarket mount installed wasn't hydraulic, so it caused major vibrations back to the cabin. They installed new OEM mounts. The mechanic fixed it! The right side mount and dog bone mount has been replaced. Camry runs like new again! Thank you.

 

Dang! That dealership should be on the same list as those people featured on "To Catch a Predator"! Wow, very shady.

 

For real! I will never take my business back there. They were trying so hard for me to trade it in to buy a new car. I don't think so... I told them to give my keys back.