92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next?

 >I take good care of my 92 Camry and with problems like brakes, exhaust,
 >tire wear, that I can hear/see building, fix them in a timely manner.
 >As the manual says, I changed the timing belt on schedule.
 >
 >However, my recent woe has been a string of immobilizing breakdowns
 >with no warning, always bad place bad time. (I am not counting sudden
 >breakdown of airconditioning etc because that doesn't immobilize you.)
 >
 >First, the water pump broke and damaged the (new) timing belt. I had to
 >tow and change both.
 >
 >Next, the radiator (no warning, the car hadn't been overheating). Tow,
 >change radiator and thermostat.
 >
 >Recently, battery and alternator. No warning, no warning lights came on
 >and the car started with one turn of key until it refused to start at
 >all. Tow, change both.
 >
 >This has me worried. In a 92 car, what can I expect to break next and
 >immobilize me without warning? What proactive checks and maintanance
 >can help me avoid this experience?
 >

Water pump should be changed at the 2nd timing belt change.
How often did you change the coolant?
Every 30K it should be done.

How old was the battery? Maybe you changed out the alternator
and did not need to? New brushes in the alternator are very cheap
to put in.

Sorry no idea on your AC, but I bet it was never serviced either.
Have you changed all your belts and hoses?
Flushed and filled the transmission AND differential every 30k?

Proactive? Heck its 12 years old... Maintenance should have
been done all along...<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

First follow maintenance schedule. Brake lines fuel lines rot, CV
joints, Transminssion, alternator , hoses, thermostat, coil, etc etc
etc
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

On Thu, 19 Aug 2004 19:37:48 GMT, RPS <rps.RemoveThis@null.void> wrote:

 >I take good care of my 92 Camry and with problems like brakes, exhaust,
 >tire wear, that I can hear/see building, fix them in a timely manner.
 >As the manual says, I changed the timing belt on schedule.
 >
How many miles do you have on the car?

Steve B.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

"RPS" <rps.TakeThisOut@null.void> wrote in message
news:190820041442402822%rps@null.void...
 > I take good care of my 92 Camry and with problems like brakes, exhaust,
 > tire wear, that I can hear/see building, fix them in a timely manner.
 > As the manual says, I changed the timing belt on schedule.
 >
 > However, my recent woe has been a string of immobilizing breakdowns
 > with no warning, always bad place bad time. (I am not counting sudden
 > breakdown of airconditioning etc because that doesn't immobilize you.)
 >
 > First, the water pump broke and damaged the (new) timing belt. I had to
 > tow and change both.
 >
 > Next, the radiator (no warning, the car hadn't been overheating). Tow,
 > change radiator and thermostat.
 >
 > Recently, battery and alternator. No warning, no warning lights came on
 > and the car started with one turn of key until it refused to start at
 > all. Tow, change both.
 >
 > This has me worried. In a 92 car, what can I expect to break next and
 > immobilize me without warning? What proactive checks and maintanance
 > can help me avoid this experience?
BMW<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

On Thu, 19 Aug 2004, RPS wrote:

 > I take good care of my 92 Camry and with problems like brakes, exhaust,
 > tire wear, that I can hear/see building, fix them in a timely manner. As
 > the manual says, I changed the timing belt on schedule.
 >
 > However, my recent woe has been a string of immobilizing breakdowns with
 > no warning, always bad place bad time. (I am not counting sudden
 > breakdown of airconditioning etc because that doesn't immobilize you.)
 > First, the water pump broke and damaged the (new) timing belt. I had to
 > tow and change both. Next, the radiator (no warning, the car hadn't been
 > overheating). Tow, change radiator and thermostat. Recently, battery and
 > alternator. No warning, no warning lights came on and the car started
 > with one turn of key until it refused to start at all. Tow, change both.

This is the price you pay for years of repair-free driving. The Japanese
engineering philosophy is, in general, one of coordinated component
lifespan. That is why, for the most part, Japanese cars just go and go and
go and go...and then, suddenly, everything begins to fail all at once.
This is in contrast to an American or European design philosophy in which
you don't tend to get as low a rate of needed repairs, *but* you also
don't get a late-life extreme spike in the rate of needed repairs, either.
Neither approach is objectively better or worse, they're just different.
Some people prefer the one approach, others prefer the other.

DS<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

ROBMURR <robmurr.TakeThisOut@aol.com> wrote:

 > How often did you change the coolant?
 > Every 30K it should be done.

I don't know the precise frequency but I did "flush & fill" bit
regularly.

 > How old was the battery?

It was old, but what perplexes me is that I had no hint it was getting
weaker until the day it died.

 > Maybe you changed out the alternator and did not need to?
 > New brushes in the alternator are very cheap to put in.

I don't know. I gues I took the shop at their word.

 > Sorry no idea on your AC, but I bet it was never serviced either.

It was "charged" with freon every few years, but no other service.
Again, it was working fine till the day compressor dies.

 > Have you changed all your belts and hoses?

No, just the timing belt.

 > Flushed and filled the transmission AND differential every 30k?

I have manual transmission, what should be done to that?<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

Steve B. < address@.com> wrote:

 > How many miles do you have on the car?

About 150 K.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

Don't give up just yet. We drive an '84 Toyato van, '87 Jeep and a '94
Pontiac.
They have all hit the wall at some point. Things do go. Don't get
metaphysical about it, things going all at once just means those
individual parts have arrived at the end of their service life. It's
not an omen. Do the math, add up the costs and see what the sum
is,probably less than another hell on wheels/sales taxes/registration
etc and at least you know what's been replaced.You'll likely never
have to do those items again. My current point of view is: as long as
the body/frame are good and I have my health and tools, I'm still
ahead. I even just finished changing the motor on my Jeep for $400.
Don't forget about junk-yards.
Its a PITA game but it's one most of us have to play.
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

 >
 > I have manual transmission, what should be done to that?

At 150K you'd be wise to drain the 90W(?) oil out of it and replacet
through the fill hole. At very least check the level and see that the
vent tube is unobstructed.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

RPS <rps RemoveThis @null.void> wrote in message news:<190820041442402822%rps@null.void>...
 >
 > First, the water pump broke and damaged the (new) timing belt. I had to
 > tow and change both.

That's why the water pump is often replaced with the timing belt.
150,000 miles from the water pump isn't too bad. If you're using only
the Toyota red coolant and distilled water, they can often go even
further.

 > Next, the radiator (no warning, the car hadn't been overheating). Tow,
 > change radiator and thermostat.

It is good practice to regularly check under the hood. Brake fluid,
coolant overflow tank, and power steering reservoir can be checked
visually through the translucent tanks. That way, if hairline cracks
develop in the plastic upper portion of the aluminum radiator, it can
be replaced before any damage or overheating occurs. Those radiators
are usually good for around ten years - looks like you got twelve.
Inexpensive preventative maintenance, is to regularly change the
thermostat and radiator cap.

 > Recently, battery and alternator. No warning, no warning lights came on
 > and the car started with one turn of key until it refused to start at
 > all. Tow, change both.

Alternator brushes last around 150,000 miles. Replacement part is
around $20 or less. Batteries can fail without warning on any vehicle.
Best idea is to monitor water level (adding distilled water only), and
check state of charge with a temperature compensated battery
hydrometer. Heat is hard on batteries. In your Camry, there is an air
vent in the bumper fascia that supplies cool air to the air intake and
also helps cool the battery case. Toyota batteries can last a long
time. Generally you should avoid purchasing any battery more than six
months after date of manufacture codes on the case.

 > This has me worried. In a 92 car, what can I expect to break next and
 > immobilize me without warning? What proactive checks and maintenance
 > can help me avoid this experience?

Check the CV boots. If you read the Camry group regularly, you'll
discover everything that needs to be checked. Basically, you'll want
to check everything, or just buy a newer car. People who are
fastidious about maintenance are seeing upwards of 500,000 miles out
of these cars. Basically, everything can wear out. Toyotas are
exceptionally well designed and constructed though, so it is always
more economical to maintain and repair. Once you're past 150,000 miles
and looking to go to 200,000 or 300,000 miles, you need to be more
"hands on."
My own personal opinion is that I don't trust anyone working on my
car, and learn to do my own work and accumulate the necessary tools
and skills. Last time I did major servicing on the car I found several
errors made by mechanics (prior owner) that could never have been
revealed any other way than doing the work myself. For example, the
thermostat "jiggle valve" was in the wrong position and two automatic
transmission pan bolts were stripped. For your manual transmission,
you still need to change the gear oil periodically.
There's a fairly comprehensive Haynes repair manual, but reading the
factory service manual is best. The set can sometimes be found at
reasonable cost by regularly checking eBay.
The more you learn about the vehicle's components, the better able you
are to monitor and service as needed.
Much of what needs to be done at this mileage is carefully checking
not only under the hood, but also under the car.
Usually by now, you'll need to replace the valve cover gasket and PCV
grommet.
If it wasn't done with the timing belt at 120,000 miles, at 180,000
miles, plan on definitely replacing the idler bearings and oil seals
along with the accessory drive belts.
The main service interval for your car is 60,000 miles when the
platinum spark plugs are replaced. By now, you'll probably also want
to replace the spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, plus the
rubber gasket or "distributor packing" under the distributor cap.
At your mileage, changing the fuel filter is also a good idea.
Brake fluid needs to be changed regularly.
Also power steering fluid needs to be changed regularly. Especially if
it has been neglected, power steering rack leakage is not uncommon.
Most of these items are true of any vehicle, except the newer ignition
systems which have no distributor.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

 >
 > This is the price you pay for years of repair-free driving. The Japanese
 > engineering philosophy is, in general, one of coordinated component
 > lifespan. That is why, for the most part, Japanese cars just go and go and
 > go and go...and then, suddenly, everything begins to fail all at once.
 > This is in contrast to an American or European design philosophy in which
 > you don't tend to get as low a rate of needed repairs, *but* you also
 > don't get a late-life extreme spike in the rate of needed repairs, either.
 > Neither approach is objectively better or worse, they're just different.
 > Some people prefer the one approach, others prefer the other.
 >
 > DS

I have recently had a similar experience with 1992 Geo Prism that I
bought used. I have driven the car for two years with about the only
'repairs' were a door handle and oil changes. However, over the past
few months I have had to replace both speedometer cables (top one
requiring taking apart a good part of the dash), exhaust system,
exhaust manifold (known problem on the engine) and still to come (to
be done professionally) timing belt (and prob. new water pump) and CV
axel. After that it will still need a new radiator, news tires, new
belts & hoses, and a new heater/ac valve. (Orginial parts when needed
are VERY expensive.) Total cost will be well over $1000. However,
the engine burns no or very little oil and the air conditioner works
well, and I hope to get two-three more years out of it. A new car is
out of the question and used cars are very expensive, so I felt this
was my most cost effective option. Time will tell....<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

 >ROBMURR <robmurr.TakeThisOut@aol.com> wrote:
 >
  >> How often did you change the coolant?
  >> Every 30K it should be done.
 >
 >I don't know the precise frequency but I did "flush & fill" bit
 >regularly.
 >

I may have forgot to ask but you did have this done using
the Toyota Red coolant I hope?

  >> How old was the battery?
 >
 >It was old, but what perplexes me is that I had no hint it was getting
 >weaker until the day it died.
 >

Mine died at 100,000 miles...Did you check the water level every
couple months and add only distilled water when needed?

  >> Maybe you changed out the alternator and did not need to?
  >> New brushes in the alternator are very cheap to put in.
 >
 >I don't know. I gues I took the shop at their word.
 >

Well, the two main components are the battery and alternator.
They could sell you these, make some more money and you
would be on your way thinking it needed both.

  >> Sorry no idea on your AC, but I bet it was never serviced either.
 >
 >It was "charged" with freon every few years, but no other service.
 >Again, it was working fine till the day compressor dies.
 >

Oh, so it had a leak that was never fixed. It probably ran
low on freon and siezed up the compressor.

  >> Have you changed all your belts and hoses?
 >
 >No, just the timing belt.
 >

Well, your WAY overdue for some belts at 150K!

  >> Flushed and filled the transmission AND differential every 30k?
 >
 >I have manual transmission, what should be done to that?
 >

There is fluid in the manual trans too that should be changed.
with what and at what interval should be in your owners manual.

While these cars are fantastic, you cant just weld the hood shut
and forget about doing any maintenance at all.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next? 

ROBMURR <robmurr DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote:

 > I may have forgot to ask but you did have this done using
 > the Toyota Red coolant I hope?

I took it to garage where they used green/blue stuff.

 > Mine [battery] died at 100,000 miles...Did you check the water
 > level every couple months and add only distilled water when needed?

No. My father used to do that with his car in India. I didn't think
modern batteries needed that? If they do, I could time it with oil
changes, just to remember it.

By the way, does it harm the engine to "wash" it with that strong
greenish squirt spray at DIY car-washes, "tire and engine" cleare I
think they call it? Done that a couple of times.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: 92 Camry: What is going to immobilize me next?