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Camry temp gauge bouncing


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Italgrl
User

Apr 2, 2014, 7:12 AM

Post #26 of 30 (1635 views)
Re: Camry temp gauge bouncing Sign In

This morning the coolant reservoir was down 1/2 inch from fill line. No puddle while sitting overnight.

Decided to start it up.

Large amount of white smoke upon start up. Chemical type smell- smoke and smell faded quickly.

Fast leak found while car running. The drip was coming from above the muffler area (under engine?). Almost seems to be coming from the oil pan, but it's pure coolant. Seems only to leak when running. Still no coolant visible when looking down at engine under the hood.

Pics can be seen here (copy & paste) https://carrissue.shutterfly.com/pictures#n_5

Best I could do laying under car in driveway, I'm not as thin as I used to be.

I think it's my water pump. Could it be?


(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Apr 2, 2014, 8:40 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 2, 2014, 8:41 AM

Post #27 of 30 (1618 views)
Re: Camry temp gauge bouncing Sign In

I made your link live but those pictures don't show us anything. You just have to follow the leak to it's source.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 2, 2014, 8:45 AM

Post #28 of 30 (1616 views)
Re: Camry temp gauge bouncing Sign In

Arggh! White smoke, odor comes with burning coolant/antifreeze mix part burned or steaming out exhaust some, dripping from muffler all that after applying pressure now strongly suggests head, head gasket problems. You may notice if you catch a drip on a paper towel of what you find it shows color or not but coolant wont dry and if just condensation it would pretty fast - more damning discoveries all consistent with it not blowing out obviously with a pressure check. Now looking at spark plugs will near certainly show one or more look too clean vs others. Rare they all get wet.


The original note of being slightly low means little itself as coolant contracts normally.


You've been a trooper chasing this down now strongly suggesting the gasket and head at least checked out by a machine shop. If you said I forgot which engine which will change the cost of the expected.


What to do: Generally this is not for most DIY people to tackle. What do you want to do? I HATE damning a head gasket job in person never mind on a web site as it does cost bucks.


I say take your findings, get second opinion from a tech or shop of your liking to re-verify what it will take. You may hear if this is the gasket job to go ahead and do belt(s) timing and service belt, new water pump, any hoses that are not perfect or newer now plus the usual new coolant and an oil change, maybe new plugs too.


You may get a price depending on condition of head(s) or unseen issues until apart IMO on the doubtful side without a hard overheat but possible.


Your car and you decide of course. Time to invest or time to trade out as this is likely to be some bucks. One good thing if car in general is excellent with a job or expense along the way is YOU benefit from it being done and really don't know on another used if that's the choice.


Either way good work so far on your part and good luck with your next step,


Tom



Italgrl
User

Apr 2, 2014, 11:28 AM

Post #29 of 30 (1610 views)
Re: Camry temp gauge bouncing Sign In

Thanks for all your help. It's going in for a diagnostic tomorrow.

When I got under the car it was so tight I could barely breathe much less move around and I only weigh 130lbs. I asked my husband why we did not own a lift...LOL! He'll get right on it.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 2, 2014, 12:23 PM

Post #30 of 30 (1603 views)
Re: Camry temp gauge bouncing Sign In

Hey, hope for good news not seen by what I've read. As for the lift or any of that. Better to be tight under side car than have one fall on you for not having the right stuff, surface and know just where to place supports. Make another thread out of that one.


Good luck. Would love to know what is declared the source problem especially since it didn't just pour out with some pressure,
Tom







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