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93 Camry Oil Distributor/Radiator
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andy489
New User
May 4, 2009, 4:36 AM
Post #1 of 2
(1619 views)
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93 Camry Oil Distributor/Radiator
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I bought this car last year around the end of July. It's in pretty good shape with the exception of the oil distributor leaking oil slowly but more gradually since the winter has passed. My Camry's an XLE with 178k miles on it. I'm not sure what my engine is but I'm sure it'll be easier to figure out with the given info.
Anyway, I was told the fix should be around 350 bucks to put the distributor back together, but my question is, what exactly happens when I have an oil distributor leak? How much is the typical cost or is it dependent on the situation? Is it something I could fix or do I need a mechanic? I only know about this problem through word of mouth from the previous owner. They did supply receipts for all their repairs and this seems to be the biggest underlying problem that exists. The radiator has recently been draining out the coolant twice as fast over the last week and a half. I can't seem to figure out why thats started but any information to fix that would be helpful. I'l try my best to answer anything I have more than likely missed here.
So far, all I have done is replaced oil when its gotten low and filled the coolant twice. Other than that, I haven't had the time or money to get the repair, but I want to do it as soon as possible to avoid damages in the long run.
Thanks!
(This post was edited by andy489 on May 4, 2009, 4:40 AM)
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 4, 2009, 4:04 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1608 views)
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Re: 93 Camry Oil Distributor/Radiator
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Andy; Not sure what is meant by 'oil distributor'? Distributors can leak oil, externally where it mounts to the engine, or internally through a seal inside the distributor. But, neither would leak enough to the point that you should be having to add oil, regularily. Oil pressure sending units can leak severely.  This is a picture of a sending unit for a 4 cyl. Camry with an oil light, rather than an oil guage, which is the most common. Even if it's a V6, it will look similar. These are normally mounted near the oil filter. Are fairly straight-forward, easy, to replace. Sometimes, removal of the oil filter makes it easier.  These are pics of a 4 cyl. distributor. Need to determine if it's leaking internally, through the seal, or externally, at the point where it is mounted.  The replacement of a distributor wouldn't be a job for a 'novice'. It must be installed correctly, then the ignition timing reset, afterwards.  From the price I'm seeing for the distributor, $350.00 would be a bit high. If the distributor is leaking externally, for the most part, it's cosmetic if you don't mind oil drips. Keep in mind, though, that oil will deteriorate rubber parts like hoses. If it's leaking internally, it can cause a misfire as oil is a conductor (although poor) of electricity. Now....the coolant loss. In my opinion, this is your biggest concern now. Find where the coolant is leaking and have it repaired ASAP. Do not let the engine overheat. If you can't tell, visually, where it's leaking, have the system pressure tested. Don't put this off. Severe engine damage is possible.
Loren
SW Washington
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