92 Camry 5SFE *Didn't want to steal other guy's thread*

[DreadyDiggs]

Okay, so my girl's aunt wants me to help her get her Camry back on the road. She showed me the car and cranked it up. Sounded AWFUL.

Very little oil was in the car, and she said at one point the car was driven without the oil cap on and shot oil everywhere. I'm still trying to figure out how they drove around without the cap on and how it took awhile before they noticed something different. When she bought it she says the oil light came on at one point, this is before she ever drove without the oil cap on.

I'm 80% sure the noise is coming from the head. She wants to know if this engine can be salvaged, or should it be swapped.

Sucks that I can't get the phone vid to upload right. I'm working on getting a converter to convert it, but just know that the noise is loud as hell in person. Since the car was driven with little to no oil I'm pretty sure there are more problems one may not be able to hear, and am suprised it's still goin. I priced some engines online. Rebuilts anywhere from 1900-2500 bucks. Then she's gotta pay someone to do it (I would love to attempt my first swap, but she wants it done too soon for me to try. I'm also thinking of telling her to just buy a Craigslist Camry and keep the other for parts. Unless she gets lucky at a junkyard, that seems like the cheapest way out.

Someone else chime in, I speak to her again Monday.

[zuprax85]

is that camry really worth it? with 2k u can buy a nice and cheap car, just take care of the car.

[DreadyDiggs]

LOL. Exactly, I said that early on. Must be something sentimental I don't know about. I'm uploading the vid now, then you'll guys will be able to hear the noise, albeit not the actual sound since my phone failed ha.


EDIT
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/three-d/th_SSPX0400-2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v324/three-d/?action=view&current=SSPX0400-2.flv)

[zuprax85]

make a compression test, is a gamble u know...u can easily put $400 on a rebuilt head, then gaskets, water pump and timing belt, it might solve the problem but u will never know, just if u pull the engine and check the main and rod bearing,

or change the oil and see how looks like, is there smthg wrong with the bearing u will be able to see particles in the oil.

just my 2 cents.

[montanasupra]

i have a 93camry same engine i got a 30k mile engine complete drop in plug in the wire harness for under 1000 shiped if you want i can get the number i dont know how much the shipping to you would be. engine came with intake and exaust manifold and some harness $900. mine runs great ill put 200k more on it wife loves it drove to LA last summer with ac on i got 38mpg. hwy

[montanasupra]

was it ever hot? thats why i replaced mine. rings siezed to piston. oil was blowing by them. 1 day after new headgasket. compression was normal not below 125 but a real loud knock sound. no oil on the stick after 15 miles of driving.

[dannymk2]

cheapest option is probably to buy a whole good running car and swap the motor. then sell the donor car for parts to recoup some money. should be able to find one of those for under a grand. id probably just donate the car to charity for the tax write off. its not worth the money or hassle.

[montanasupra]

ummmm $2500 to $4500 in the area i live for 92 to 96 toyota camry and thats private sale not dealer. saw three in the paper today.

[DreadyDiggs]

Where I'm at there are some under $2500, more close to $1900 or even $1500 haha. I'm gonna talk to her Monday, I'm thinking she's better off finding a different car and parting out/donating this one. I shop craigslist all the time, I know I can find something reasonable for her.

[montanasupra]

it all depends on how much you love the car i guess my wife wont part with ours tsudo exaust, eibauch springs, enki rims, k&n filter :)

[DreadyDiggs]

Well I got the word that this car is not my girl's aunt's car. Its my girl's grandma's car. Her aunt was driving it. So grandma don't want to do an engine swap on it (already paid for one on one car before). She's thinking of giving it to goodwill. I'm trying to get this car for myself and basically dissect it as a means of learning a little more. I've been wanting to do this, but couldn't cause I hadn't acquired anything I could slowly work with.

If I manage to fix it, I won't keep it for myself, would have to figure out what to do with it.

[hlfazn]

well, you should also look on some mr2 forums. There are always people swapping out their 5sfe engines for the 3sgte. and who knows. You might get lucky. those engines are very common so finding one shouldnt be that hard..

crap i actually had an extra head when i bought my mr2 but didnt take it since I had no room...

[montanasupra]

thats the reason i bought my 93 camry but i was unable to find a 3sgte in my area the 5sfe seems to be a strong engine and my wife loves the car. i payed $450 for mine.