Update Update

[tubashaman2]

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[Todd S. Malicoate]

I saw some oil before I got the oil change around the filter area of the engine, but it is leaking on the driveway, the coolant does need changing, but I only see the golden oil on the dipstick, but mainly leaking on the driveway/street, a whole big spot in the street where I have been parking, the tech at walmart (who can't diagonse offically) said pan gasket, so I will go with that. The coolant has not gotten darker, but it does need changed as I said, its been a while as I can see from the color. Thanks

Also, if they have the part in for a pan gasket and such, how many hours should this take to replace, and how long would it take to diagonose the leak on common?

Replacing an oil pan gasket is around a one-hour job. It's a simple one-piece gasket...all that needs to be done is raise the vehicle, drain the oil, remove the 19 (V6) or 21 (4-cylinder) bolts holding on the oil pan (you may have to remove various undercarriage "skirts" or "aprons" to get to the pan as well as an exhaust pipe bracket on the pan), clean the pan and block mounting surfaces, apply gasket sealant to the pan (concentrating most on the corners, erratic shapes, and around each bolt hole), place the gasket on the pan and replace on the engine (a little fresh oil on each bolt is helpful for easy installation). Torque the bolts to specification (usually quite low, around 4-5 ft-lbs or 48-60 in-lbs) and refill with oil, checking for leaks.

EDIT: Oh, yeah...no offense to anyone who works there or has in the past, but DON'T trust the Wal-Mart techs to correctly diagnose your vehicle problems. They're fine for tires, oil/fluid checks and changes, and basic tune-ups...that's about it.

Todd, greasy as charged.

[tubashaman2]

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[tubashaman2]

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[tubashaman2]

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[Chadtuba]

Re-update:

After talking with the mechanic I'm going to replace the single muffler with a glass pack and a larger pipe to increase the airflow which will in turn increase the power and the MPG even if only a minor bit. Plus, it'll still sound cool

Update,

Just got back from the shop and the truck sounds pretty good Nice low rumble now. I leave for Colorado on Saturday night so we'll see if it actually helps out with the gas mileage or not.

[Rick Denney]

However, it has been over 12 years since the timing belt has been changed, which means it can crack and with all the oil on it it can't be good. I really wanted to buy an ipod on my credit card, but I don't like being down on credit cards....even if it is a bank one. The air conditioning will have to wait some other time

1. Age ruins timing belts.
2. Excessive wear ruins timing belts.
3. Any oil at all ruins timing belts.

Sounds like you have at least two out of three.

The water pump will have to be removed in any case, and the cost of a rebuilt is about $35 or 40.

You do not need an iPod.

Rick "you have been updated" Denney

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I just got back from the mechanic, and he said it is leaking pretty badly from the front gasket, and the timing belt is moving the oil, and is leaking off the belt. So it will be about $600, maybe more, he is not totally sure. He is too busy today and tomorrow, and monday, and I do not know my work schedule for next week.

Amazing that the Wal-Mart tech thought the leak was from your oil pan when it's actually coming from the timing cover. A good example of why you shouldn't trust "seat of the pants" guesses from oil change techs, parts store guys, friends/family, or even online forum members when it comes to what's wrong with your car.

The reason it's a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time is that it's labor-intensive to get the timing cover off in the first place. The water pump is inside the cover and timing belt driven, so most of the time it's efficient to go ahead and replace it "while you're there." Get a lower-price NEW pump for the price range Rick listed - at NAPA the new pump is $37.50 for a 4-cylinder and $49 for a V6 (you still haven't said which engine you have).

Now, that said, this is a 1992 Camry - you might want to think about how much longer you want to drive this car. If the bill is going to be, say, $800 to fix it and the end result is a 17 year old car waiting for its next problem you might consider getting out of this vehicle and finding a 1998-2001 used vehicle in the $2000 range. You're about to start graduate school where money is usually pretty tight.

A final observation - why is someone struggling with a $600 car repair bill always talking about buying a new tuba? You are a poster child for what is wrong with the financial attitude of many people these days. If you can't easily afford a $600 bill, you aren't in any position to buy a new tuba - buy a newer vehicle that doesn't break down twice a year instead. Sheesh.

Todd, stepping down from the soapbox.

[tubashaman2]

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[Todd S. Malicoate]

Todd, it looks like I will have an assistantship which pays well, and I will be able to transfer stores when I move. A horn will be a good investment, and if I can get a YFB 621 used for about 5K, I got a few bites....I could sell my 180F for about 2100, really not paying all that much overall. If I can't get a YFB621, I will invest in a better one.

I had just paid off the credit card I am putting this on, and my work gives scholarships ($500 a semester, the one for the beginning of next semester will be the last one and bonuses) and I am really good at financial stuff.

UPDATE:

As much as I would like to respond to these points, this thread has gotten off on this tangent too long. Back to everyday life...

Tomorrow morning I am taking down an 18' metal-frame above-ground pool, leveling the ground (hopefully better than the "professional" with a Bobcat did) with a Mantis tiller, a rake, some stakes & string, a level, and a rented lawn roller. This will be followed by 3-4 inches of sand being laid over the level ground and another pass with the roller. After checking for level and making any fine adjustments, a large blue tarp will be laid down, smoothed, and staked. Then the pool will be re-assembled and filled. I hope it's not an all-day project as the high temperature tomorrow is forecast to be near 100.

Any tips from those who have done this work before?

You have been updated!

[windshieldbug]

Since we went there anyway,

In my prior life, I regularly observed the effects of broken timing (chains in boxer engines, belts in V's and others...). They were NOT pretty, nor were they particularly fast, such that I would rather not eat than take the chance (especially since I would be the one cleaning up the mess and replacing said mess).

Fortunately, with such an attitude, I was never required to for THAT PARTICULAR problem. I did, however, have trouble communicating this attitude to my right foot, but those are other stories for other days...

YOU HAVE BEEN UPDATED.

[lgb&dtuba]

It's 94 degrees here and I have to play an outdoor job this evening. At least Lederhosen and split socks allow for some air movement. On euph today so less metal to block the air flow.

[bearphonium]

This weekend I marched in a parade, cleared the remains of the 25 trees that were felled earlier this month from my back lot, and cleaned inside in prepration for some motorcycle buddies coming to town tomorrow...and I got a work pass so I can ride with them on Tuesday!

[Todd S. Malicoate]

UPDATE:

All work is done with the Mantis tiller (including a new fruit & vegetable garden by the shed - yummy!). This is a great little tool and made short work of breaking up the ground.

Tomorrow after work we get out the rake, stakes, string, and level and get back to work making a 5 degree grade into a flat 20' square.

I would have been much farther along, but unfortunately the equipment rental stores here are closed on Saturday, so no lawn roller yet. Does this seem strange to anyone else? It seems like "workin' folk" would want to rent stuff to work with on the weekends...sigh.

You have been updated!

[The Jackson]

UPDATE:

Hey guys, I'm going to the store for some snacks. Anyone want anything?

[Kevin Hendrick]

UPDATE:

Hey guys, I'm going to the store for some snacks. Anyone want anything?

I'm all set, thanks -- 'preciate the thought!

[windshieldbug]

UPDATE:

Hey guys, I'm going to the store for some snacks. Anyone want anything?

I'm all set, thanks -- 'preciate the thought!

I'm set for life, but that doesn't stop me...

[The Jackson]

UPDATE:

Hey guys, I'm going to the store for some snacks. Anyone want anything?

I need some Twinkies and a bag of Fritos.
Thanks!

will do


EDIT: Okay, they didn't have Twinkies, but the bathroom did have some heavily-used urinal cakes, so I got those. The taste is about the same as a Twinkie's.

[Kayla]

Update

Buying a new tuba is more important than a reliable car that doesn't require pumping hundreds of dollars worth of repairs into it.

You have been updated.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Buying a new tuba is more important than a reliable car that doesn't require pumping hundreds of dollars worth of repairs into it.

Hallelujah! Someone who "gets it."

UPDATE:

Too hot today (still 91 degrees at 9pm) to do much on the pool today - will regroup at dawn and try to get the tilled soil level.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation warrants!