Sorry, we've been really busy (he types, while knocking on wood), so it's been sitting out in the lot all week. We literally just brought it into the shop a few minutes ago, but we probably won't do anything to it until Monday. Not to worry, we'll post our results... no matter how things go.

Okay, we’ve got one driving us nuts here (I know, it’s a short drive :mrgreen: ). Disclaimer, I’m not a tech... I just pay the bills... and do everything else around here. So, what we’ve got is a 2001 Toyota Camry LE, 4 cyl. Began with intermittent stalling, when at idle. Customer would drop it off,...

I believe that is the case here. Looks like TSB EG018-06 sets the oil to 5w20. TIP: We've run into this at the shop and the techs sometimes question the weight when it differs from the cap. We've started placing a label on the cap that refers to the TSB and the new weight for our own customers. Som...

It's done, and paid for, alas no short cuts found.

Anyone know any shortcuts to replacing the A/C expansion valve, that DOESN'T include removing the entire dashboard?

Thanks.

Jeff @ Able Auto wrote:It seems the DIY stores really push Bosch.

Hmmmmmm, I wonder why? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Four bent valves, cylinder 5. Vehicle had over 85K, so we replaced timing belt, water pump... Mark said, what he didn't replace he cleaned up good, sooooooo all is well!

Uh oh, not looking good, to be continued...

Mark said it was tight, but there was enough room for the heli coil.

For the record, all the other plugs were good. Just waiting on the new coil, which should be here any minute, and hopefully all will be well.

Mark says the other two front plugs are okay, he's going to check the rear ones in a bit. He also said, once the plug got blown out, it was the exhaust heat that shorted out the coil, then melted it.

Okay, here's where we're at (as relayed from Mark, to me, a non-tech). Found blown ignition coil fuse. Replaced fuse, but kept blowing. Found skip in cylinder 5. Checked cylinder 5, and found spark plug blew out of head, heated coil, coil shorted out (melted), and blew fuse.

Customer was driving, heard "ticking noise". Noise went away, then started ticking again. Vehicle began to lose power, then died. Towed in, won't start. CEL came on just before it died, no codes, and no freeze frame info. Checked timing belt, okay (timing marks on). No problem with immobilizer key. ...

HA! I wrote a nice little short story (non-fiction, of course) but the real funny part was deciding how much to charge for the labor. I said to Mark, "hands behind your back, and on the count of three, we'll both throw out what we think is fair." We both threw out four fingers, so 4.0 it was. AND, i...

Found it, quoting Mark, "ground wire from diagnostic connector, to the engine block." I asked him if there was anything odd or different about it, because it took a while to find, but he said, very simply (not unlike himself) - "no."

Towed in, for no start. Found to have no ignition spark. Replaced distributor (twice :evil: ) still no spark. Checked grounds and fuses, all okay. As Mark was checking things, found when the handheld scanner was plugged in, car would start and run fine. Unplug scanner, car dies. Also, no communicati...

ricmorin wrote:My first thought is that over-oiling would affect rings before valve seals.

Just relayed this to Mark, and that's what he said. Oh, and he added, "it's engine time."

Replaced the valves AND the canister. Toyota said they'd be happy to sell us just the valves, but we'd be calling back soon enough for the canister. Anyway, installed (more importantly - paid for) and passed MA state inspection. Everybody goes home happy.

Mark (a tech here, I'm not a tech) says this may "sound stupid" but make sure the front caliper sliders are working properly. He said that's something he's seen before after doing everything you described, although for what it's worth, it was a Mazda.

Thanks guys, that's where Mark was leaning AND that was also the same suggestion from one of our "Toyota people". Customer is due for inspection, in November, and knowing her, she'll put it off until then, but we'll be sure to post the results. For the record, our main Toyota dealership keeps on top...

Thanks RIc, we really appreciate your input.

If we resolve this, I'll be sure to post it.