1999 Camry 2.2L (5S-FE) oil leaks

[supton]

Hmm, catches a fingernail?

If you want, just ship it, and keep an eye on it. Worst case, you do this job twice. Most of the parts can be reused. That said, if I could get an OEM pump, I'd be tempted to buy that and sleep well.

For the spark plug tube, I had one start to leak on me. I used a pipe wrench to remove. I tried the double nut thing but felt the forces were getting too high.

 

[Nick1994]

Spark plug tubes were bone dry inside so I didn't mess with them. I heard the arcing when it misfired at idle, I'm 99% sure it was bad plug wires/boots; they were pretty crumbly. The camshaft seal was fun to get in-- smallish angled prybar against the strut tower for leverage; I'm curious how/if the OEM tool makes it easier.

Shim lash adjustment scares me, so I think I'll leave it alone unless I hear signs of it needing adjustment.


That's what I did, and any place metal came together at a joint, I put a dab of RTV (permatex grey). The 33-35lb-ft torque spec on the valve cover nuts has the gasket squeezed pretty tight, I'll be shocked if it leaks. Aisin timing belt kit included a new water pump & housing and I have a new thermostat to throw in. Thanks for the tip on the t-stat, so it's just the rubber ring around the thermostat itself that seals it?

Yeah I was shocked, being used to using RTV and the pain it is with my Jeep.

 

[lbhsbz]

Everything has gone to plan so far-- except when removing the oil pump shaft, it is scored in two places where the seal rides-- barely catches a fingernail but it's definitely there. Is it a fools errand to just replace the shaft seal and let it ride, or am I looking at a complete oil pump replacement?

How'd you do that? While the oil pump is off, just grab the pulley and hit the nut with an impact...then the everything comes apart and the shaft slides outta the pump. knock the seal out with a screwdriver and hammer a new one in, reverse for assembly.

I'd grab an oil pump at this point.

 

[92saturnsl2]

How'd you do that? While the oil pump is off, just grab the pulley and hit the nut with an impact...then the everything comes apart and the shaft slides outta the pump. knock the seal out with a screwdriver and hammer a new one in, reverse for assembly.

I'd grab an oil pump at this point.

I broke the pulley nut loose with a right angle impact while the belt was still on, it came free no problem. It was after removing the oil pump & then shaft, the shaft has two small scores where the seal lips (inner/outer) ride. I think I'm just going to try to position the new seal in a way where it lands a couple millimeters away from where it used to. The seal lips should then ride on a clean part of the shaft.

I'd go the new oil pump route but all Rockauto has is Chinese aftermarket. I'll give this a shot before ponying up the bucks for a dealer part.

 

[supton]

Worst case, it has to be done again. Annoying for sure. But I have to wonder, just how many of those oil pumps are happily churning away right now, groove and all.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Worst case, it has to be done again. Annoying for sure. But I have to wonder, just how many of those oil pumps are happily churning away right now, groove and all.

I'm with you-- most shops are there for a quick turnaround and new seal goes in on shaft regardless of condition. If I have to go in again, so be it, it wasn't an awful job by any means. Like any repair, now that I know it, I could repeat it in a third of the time.