Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

[ezbtr]

Just put new plugs in after 50-60K, boy were they worn out! Cap, rotor, wires in last 10-15K, has 163K on it, 4 cylinder. Runs great once started - I've had it for 5 years and always has started right up, except when it's warm out, has sat in sun all day when I'm at work, but always on 2nd start. Now at times no cold start first thing in a.m., or after sitting all day, takes 8-10 tries. Maybe idle control valve/sensor, fuel pump? Think I'm going to scrub/spray out intake, sensors today with Seafoam. Any thoughts? Oh not that it should matter but just had son swap out alternator and new belt a few weeks ago.
Oh, also noticed is loosing coolant(all new hoses , radiator etc in last few years) and #1 plug looks whitish, no coolant in oil or smoke - maybe slight head gasket(replaced when valve guides redone at 85K ish before I bought it) leak?

 

[Volphin]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

First, don't use Seafoam on any EFI system. It can cause all sorts of secondary issues. Your fuel pump is probably going south. Known issue for this gen Camry. Also check that the MAF sensor door is triggering the fuel pump as it should, the fuel pump relay is properly operational and that the ignition switch is not making intermittent contact.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

Check out your water pump from below. Bet you will see a little drippage coming from it. Easy driveway fix with jackstands and floor jack, but tight quarters. It's held in with four 10mm bolts, two are actually 10mm nuts on studs. You need to remove the side motor mount, the Alt belt and the 12mm pulley bolts first, along with draining the coolant from the rad.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

First, don't use Seafoam on any EFI system. It can cause all sorts of secondary issues. Your fuel pump is probably going south. Known issue for this gen Camry. Also check that the MAF sensor door is triggering the fuel pump as it should, the fuel pump relay is properly operational and that the ignition switch is not making intermittent contact.

naw Sea Foam is fine in tank, and spray IF you bypass MAF pinch Seafoam spray straw between throttle body and air inlet tube. start, rev motor while spraying 3/4 can, smokes a bit but works well and you bypass any sensors. Yeah maybe in tank (???) fuel pump?

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

Check out your water pump from below. Bet you will see a little drippage coming from it. Easy driveway fix with jackstands and floor jack, but tight quarters. It's held in with four 10mm bolts, two are actually 10mm nuts on studs. You need to remove the side motor mount, the Alt belt and the 12mm pulley bolts first, along with draining the coolant from the rad.

water pump swapped approx 50K ago w timing belt

 

[Volphin]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

SF = Snake oil dude. Next time you have an engine apart and a carboned up piston, put some on the top... heck, let it sit for a bit too. Wipe with a rag. Any change? NO. But, hey, they will take your money all day long and pump it into their SEMA booth.

Re the water pump: Have you checked it?

Regardless, your fuel pump is prob toasty.

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

well i think it was fuel pump that quit TODAY in parking lot at work, on way home, crank NO start at all! Took BART, a bus and walked a mile home - actually perfect cooled off weather Yukon to work tomorrow and have Camry Geico(free) towed home, may just be time for a newer than 87 Camry although only 163K on it, little stuff like seat belt housing, seat belt return, neutral safety repair or adjust(shifter loose and have to wiggle in Park or drive to engage starter at times) needs new starter solenoid rebuild, front pads and rotors soon)altho under warr at Good year for 3rd-4th time (goes thru brakes in 6 - 12K) altho had whole brake system replaced, their rotors dont like the ceramic pads, warp rotors too), needs paint, just put new alt. on it = need something more dependable/newer, airbags, got my $900 worth out of it purchase price 5 yrs ago....

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

well i think it was fuel pump that quit TODAY in parking lot at work, on way home, crank NO start at all! Took BART, a bus and walked a mile home - actually perfect cooled off weather Yukon to work tomorrow and have Camry Geico(free) towed home, may just be time for a newer than 87 Camry although only 163K on it, little stuff like seat belt housing, seat belt return, neutral safety repair or adjust(shifter loose and have to wiggle in Park or drive to engage starter at times) needs new starter solenoid rebuild, front pads and rotors soon)altho under warr at Good year for 3rd-4th time (goes thru brakes in 6 - 12K) altho had whole brake system replaced, their rotors dont like the ceramic pads, warp rotors too), needs paint, just put new alt. on it = need something more dependable/newer, airbags, got my $900 worth out of it purchase price 5 yrs ago....

Course after car got towed home, started right up 3-4 times in a row within a few hours, maybe a cam/crank sensor bad?

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Lost my post?? Oh well, 87 Camry not wanting to start at times

staRTED right up last few days - geesh!!!! and seems to run a bit rich for a few mins....