95 Camry Questions

[BISCUT]

I'm inheriting a 95 Camry with 63k. It's the 4 banger. Is this the one known as the sludger? I plan on running a few short OCI and making sure it's all clean.

Was thinking of something like SuperTech for 1k miles with a white can Puralator filter. Then moving to a 2k OCI once and then just changing it at 3k OCI intervails with PY or Castrol.

But with 2 trucks in the family, this will be my commuter car and I was thinking of running M1 (use 5-30 for wifes truck already).

If this is a sludger engine; better off short OCI with dino or ok to go 6k or so with top quality synthetic?

Thanks for the input.

 

[spasm3]

I might run Pennzoil conventional for the short oci, might clean a bit better. also you can see if it uses oil before putting expensive sythetic in it. I think the camry sludging started with the 96 models.

http://yotarepair.com/Sludge_Zone.html

 

[simple_gifts]

Why run short OCI? Is there "any" evidence that it needs extra attention?

OT:I"ve never understood the short OCI approach. What is an oil going to do in 1K that it won't do in 4K?

 

[Turk]

Yea, we got a '97 Camry 4 banger that I have been taking care of for about 70,000 miles. It now has 165,000 miles.

Somewhat of a sludger, but not as much as the 6 cylinder.

First of all, change the PCV Valve!!

Then, put in a quality oil of conventional or synthetic flavor, your choice.

Get a top quality oil filter, like PureOne, NAPA Gold, Amsoil, Mobil 1, etc. I just watched videos on YouTube on white cans Purolator cut open vs many others... they are not a quality oil filter.

Run 3-4k oil change intervals on dino, more on synthetic.

Enjoy your ride - if it's been even moderately taken care of before, it'll last a long time!!

 

[bodeh6]

I would do the first OCI at 1.5K miles, then do a 2.5K mile run with some MMO, then go 3-4K miles on Dino or 5K+ on synthetic.

 

[lenjack]

63k on a '95? That's barely broken in!

 

[45ACP]

Originally Posted By: lenjack
63k on a '95? That's barely broken in!


+1. Thats very low miles. And if i was looking for a Camry and you were selling, you'd get top-dollar.

Has this car ever had the oil changed? if it hasnt, then thats a problem.

You also say you "Inherited" it, so if its a 17 year old but good car that sat in a garage.. then you .. well, the oil needs to go. It cant sludge when its NOT running, correct?

 

[JamesBond]

I had a poorly maintained 95 camry 4cyl that I purchased used with a stuck open thermostat and non-functioning pcv valve. When I replaced the leaking valve cover seal I was HORRIFIED at the amount of hard burnt on carbon-like junk under the cover. If it were my car I would replace or clean the pcv valve and pull the valve cover to make sure its clean underneath. The valve cover is very easy to remove and at this age it may need a new gasket anyway. If its clean I would just use 5w30 conventional oil at the oci indicated in the owners manual. If its sludgy/crusty I would probably do the same thing but keep my fingers crossed.

 

[mrcoolguy]

Its not the sludger ( Sludgers were from 1997 to 2002 1SFE and 1MZFE). But, I would still assume that the past owner did not take care of it and change the PCV and run a few shorter OCI with Pennzoil conventional then step up to a synthetic!

 

[caravanmike]

Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
Its not the sludger ( Sludgers were from 1997 to 2002 1SFE and 1MZFE). But, I would still assume that the past owner did not take care of it and change the PCV and run a few shorter OCI with Pennzoil conventional then step up to a synthetic!

mrcoolguy is right. they had a head re-design in 1997 that was one of the variables that caused the sludge problem.

 

[SXE10]

Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
Sludgers were from 1997 to 2002 1SFE and 1MZFE
1SFE ?? Is that a USDM only engine? I've heard of 4SFE 1.8L, 3SFE 2.0L & 5SFE 2.2L.

The FE 4 pot family are pretty bulletproof 64K is barley broken in.

 

[LeakySeals]

You have the Camry that gave Toyota its reputation. The good old days where you could run any oil and the car would run till it rusted away. If I were you I'd just run normal 3-5k intervals and don't touch a thing. If it burns oil or has any leaks, Toyota's love Mobil 1 High Mileage 5w30.

 

[mrcoolguy]

Yes, my mistake LOL 5SFE. Thats right! ^

 

[BISCUT]

Originally Posted By: 45ACP
Originally Posted By: lenjack
63k on a '95? That's barely broken in!


+1. Thats very low miles. And if i was looking for a Camry and you were selling, you'd get top-dollar.

Has this car ever had the oil changed? if it hasnt, then thats a problem.

You also say you "Inherited" it, so if its a 17 year old but good car that sat in a garage.. then you .. well, the oil needs to go. It cant sludge when its NOT running, correct?


My grandfather is almost 93 and sadly passing. The vehicle was his. He changed the 2x a year. looking thru the fill hole it's clean with no sign of varnish.

Over the spring I'll start doing all the fluids; trans, radiator, front differential, etc... Looks like I should add PCV as well. With $4 gas and an F-150 this 4banger will sure be appreciated.