Hey all I am in a real jam and need someone who has been through it or and exp. mechanic please. My problem is I have my 2004 4cyl camry le in the shop, was running hot and pouring out antifreeze. They replaced the water pump and radiator, then was told the head gasket was blown. So they started working on it and now they say the head bolts would come out of the head BY HAND. They said they would try hard to find bolts that would grab hold better (longer ones) if they couldnt find it i need a new engine.

I am a pretty good tune up guy but not machine guy. This engine only has 88,000 on it, I find it hard to believe that the engine needs to be replaced if they cant find bolts. MY question is guys, IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO PUT BOLTS IN THIS HEAD AND ENGINE?? WHY CANT IT BE RETHREADED WITH BIGGER ONES? OR MAYBE DRILLED OUT THEN PLACE SLEEVE IN IT? PLEASE HELP ME GUYS! THANKS A BUNCH! ROB MEREDITH- rmeredith88@yahoo.com or place here

 

The internet, this site and others such as Toyotanation have treads on this subject and what to do about it.

Longer bolts re-threading the holes are not the answer. The fix is to install threaded inserts into the head. A product called Time-sert has been used but there are others. One can buy a kit containing all the materials and tools for the job.

Thought even the Toyota (who is well aware of the problem) is now having dealers install threaded inserts instead of replacing the block as was done in the past.

Do an internet search on 2AZ-FE head bolt and you should find many posts on the subject.

There is also a long thread at this site on the subject.