Newbie
#1
01-12-2017, 01:32 PM
Newbie
Hi All, I just bought a 98 Camry LE and have no maintenance history, it was only $100, the gal just wanted to get rid of it. What I need to know are things to keep an eye on. What notorious for having issues on these cars. What should I start off replacing or getting serviced to extend this car the longest. What brand spark plugs does everyone recommend? What brand of oil/ filter? Any and all direction and tips is appreciated. Thanx!
Last edited by Sacaledus; 01-12-2017 at 05:42 PM.
#2
01-12-2017, 09:03 PM
Suggest reading past posts at this on what to look for when buying a Camry. This will provide info on what can go wrong.
For starters:
Check condition of trans fluid. If not red or reddish do a complete change including torque converter. The trans has a separate fluid chamber for the differential. Change this too.
The internet has photos of trans fluid linked to condition.
Ditto for the power steering. Can just change out the reservoir fluid a between drives until clear again.
Trans and PS use same fluid which is Dexron III or its replacement.
Suggest NGK or Denso plugs.
Any decent brand of engine oil is OK. The manual has the viscosity. Everyone has opinions on filters. Suggest WIX or NAPA Gold.
If original radiator. Check upper plastic radiator tank for signs of seepage. Tank can get hairline cracks crack with age which turn into a major crack.
Check all coolant hoses including the bypass for signs of hardness or leakage.
Find out when the timing belt was last change. The recommended mileage interval is 60K. Belts can break although the engine will not be damaged.
For a preventative and cost standpoint. Keep up on trans fluid changes to keep fluid red or reddish. Bad fluid leads to expensive trans issues. Don't flush. Just change all the fluid by using the trans oil pump to force the fluid out via a disconnected cooler hose. Then add more to trans and repeat the process until clear.
The trunk well on the far drivers side can leak water through a vent. Remove the plastic holder and check for water.
Check C/V boots for slits or other damage allowing the grease to come out and debris to come in.
Check the large air intake air filter hose where it attaches to the throttle body for cracking around its circumference.
The rest is repair or replace as required.
For starters:
Check condition of trans fluid. If not red or reddish do a complete change including torque converter. The trans has a separate fluid chamber for the differential. Change this too.
The internet has photos of trans fluid linked to condition.
Ditto for the power steering. Can just change out the reservoir fluid a between drives until clear again.
Trans and PS use same fluid which is Dexron III or its replacement.
Suggest NGK or Denso plugs.
Any decent brand of engine oil is OK. The manual has the viscosity. Everyone has opinions on filters. Suggest WIX or NAPA Gold.
If original radiator. Check upper plastic radiator tank for signs of seepage. Tank can get hairline cracks crack with age which turn into a major crack.
Check all coolant hoses including the bypass for signs of hardness or leakage.
Find out when the timing belt was last change. The recommended mileage interval is 60K. Belts can break although the engine will not be damaged.
For a preventative and cost standpoint. Keep up on trans fluid changes to keep fluid red or reddish. Bad fluid leads to expensive trans issues. Don't flush. Just change all the fluid by using the trans oil pump to force the fluid out via a disconnected cooler hose. Then add more to trans and repeat the process until clear.
The trunk well on the far drivers side can leak water through a vent. Remove the plastic holder and check for water.
Check C/V boots for slits or other damage allowing the grease to come out and debris to come in.
Check the large air intake air filter hose where it attaches to the throttle body for cracking around its circumference.
The rest is repair or replace as required.
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