1984 Toyota Camry / Vista with 1.8l turbo diesel 1C

[Mike NXP]

Toyota tracked down a new temp sensor for me. Unfortunately still no signs of the fan turning on at temps over 200F ...Will have to diagnose it further at some point.

Old one came out easy, let the coolant flow out while threading the new one in. Easy replacement just wish it fixed something

 

[CJL5]

Toyota tracked down a new temp sensor for me. Unfortunately still no signs of the fan turning on at temps over 200F ...Will have to diagnose it further at some point.

Old one came out easy, let the coolant flow out while threading the new one in. Easy replacement just wish it fixed something
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I bought a ‘Four Seasons’ fan temperature switch but haven’t installed it yet. Hopefully it works! I did wire a fan bypass rocker switch in the cab just in case. I need to drain my coolant and change a couple hoses and put a new thermostat in. Was going to change the fan temperature switch and install a temperature gauge at the same time. Also I think I need to clean my injectors or install new injectors because the engine seems to continue to rev for a few seconds after my foot is off of the throttle. Cables seem to move freely so I was assuming that it was an injector issue.

 

[Mike NXP]

I bought a ‘Four Seasons’ fan temperature switch but haven’t installed it yet. Hopefully it works! I did wire a fan bypass rocker switch in the cab just in case. I need to drain my coolant and change a couple hoses and put a new thermostat in. Was going to change the fan temperature switch and install a temperature gauge at the same time. Also I think I need to clean my injectors or install new injectors because the engine seems to continue to rev for a few seconds after my foot is off of the throttle. Cables seem to move freely so I was assuming that it was an injector issue.

Hey,

Fan switch
- Keep us posted if you end up installing that fan switch, I'd be curious how it all worked out.. It seems like an easy thing to rig up but IDK I don't want to constantly be staring at coolant temps and flicking switched to get everything cool. Hopefully I can figure out how to get it working on its own, the fan should kick on at 197F

Hoses and Themostat
- What hoses are you trying to replace? Some are a real bitch to get your hands on
- Have you located the thermostat? It also seems like a doozie to get to. I followed the lower radiator hose towards the motor but then it dives in under the fuel pump and I can't see s*** from above
- I'd love to get my thermostat and water pump done as some point. Keep us posted if you dive into it

Temp gauge / switch
- Finding the OEM temp switch will be a struggle. Also, in my recent experience it didn't solve the problem. According to the service manual, the next step would be to check the fan relay. You mentioned installing a temp gauge, I'm not sure if that happens at the switch. You can consider one of those retro-fit kits that ties into the upper radiator hose

Injectors / runaway throttle
- This is interesting to hear. I was going to suggest the cable may be binding up but then you mentioned its all free so hmmmm.
>> Do you have cruise control? Did you remove the plastic cover and check the linkage under the hood? The throttle cable runs through that mechanism... Mine was a bit crusty when I first got the rig, along with the need to adjust the cable tension.
>> I don't like the idea of the engine continuing to rev when you let off the throttle, be careful to not let that lead to a runaway / safety issue.

 

[Mike NXP]

I was thinking a bit about the engine temps that my coolant gauge has been showing, and me being in denial has got me thinking a bit.....

>> Coolant flows into the top of the radiator, cools as it goes down, and exits from the bottom of the radiator .. Is this correct?

>> Given that flow, doesn't it make sense that the coolant is way hotter going in ( where I am reading the temp off top of radiator hose ) versus the temperature that the Toyota sensor is reading ( located at the bottom of the radiator and possibly seeing lower temps within range )

>> Perhaps the radiator is cooling and doing its job, and the coolant passing the lower sensor on its way back to the motor is way cooler than up top where I am getting my reading from?

>> Should a healthy motor be regulating coolant temperature at a fairly similar temperature whether its coming in or going back to the motor OR does it make sense that the coolant is coming back into the radiator way hotter before it cools and goes back into the motor.


I don't know, just thinking out loud and sick of Googlin' stuff

 

[AndyMax]

Hey Andy..

- I didn't flush the system, just some unwanted drain and fills while I worked on replacing alternator and had to drain coolant / remove pipe. Probably drained and filled a gallon or two. Coolant came out clean and nothing nasty but you're right a proper flush might help
- I agree on fan setup, I've heard it turn on in the past , I wonder what temp it was at. Since I've installed the temp gauge I've been up as high as 215F and the fan doesn't kick on . Any speeds over 60mph with ambient temps over 70F cause this thing to build some heat

- I bet you could sell your ride, post it in the "Other" section of the classifieds and see if you get any hits...Depends what its worth to you, may be cooler to just have it sitting out in the yard dreaming of a rebuild one day

- Roger that, hoping to get timing belt / water pump done at some point along with fixing fan and getting temps in line


Still waiting to see if Toyota can source the temp sensor. If not , will try aftermarket. If all else fails, may try to rig up a switch to help troubleshoot

I usually cruise at 60-65. I took her up to 75 today and held it for 20-30 seconds and she wasn't happy, temps were climbing ... I liked it better when I didn't know how hot it was and was blissfully unaware

Well I sold mine to someone with more time than me and he immediately started digging in and changing the TB and WP. The new pump impeller was far more effectively designed than the old. Also PO deleted the T stat lol
And the whole cooling system was rusty
Some food for thought.
I miss the car already even if he's informed me that it was the most torturous timing belt job he's ever done. 4hrs to remove the cover...

I just spend 5 hours removing my TDIs alternator yesterday so I'm happy for the extra time and funds but will continue to follow the diesel Camry thread for fun and maybe try and snatch one up again one day

 

[Mike NXP]

Well I sold mine to someone with more time than me and he immediately started digging in and changing the TB and WP. The new pump impeller was far more effectively designed than the old. Also PO deleted the T stat lol
And the whole cooling system was rusty
Some food for thought.
I miss the car already even if he's informed me that it was the most torturous timing belt job he's ever done. 4hrs to remove the cover...

I just spend 5 hours removing my TDIs alternator yesterday so I'm happy for the extra time and funds but will continue to follow the diesel Camry thread for fun and maybe try and snatch one up again one day

Nice info and sad to hear you let her go, but probably for the best.

I can't believe it took him 4 hours to remove the cover, I had the top cover removed with just a few bolts and the bottom half didn't look much harder but who knows....Wish we could learn more about the t-belt / water pump job for these motors

My mechanic called me today and said he's willing to take it in and do the job but I'm a bit hesitant , I don't want to open a can of worms....I know for sure I'm not running on the original belt / pump. This engine was allegedly rebuilt a few thousand miles ago but that was 10+ years ago


I'm more focused on getting the radiator fan to turn on and keeping my temperatures down under 200F. No sense in dumping money into the t-belt job before then

 

[AndyMax]

Nice info and sad to hear you let her go, but probably for the best.

I can't believe it took him 4 hours to remove the cover, I had the top cover removed with just a few bolts and the bottom half didn't look much harder but who knows....Wish we could learn more about the t-belt / water pump job for these motors

My mechanic called me today and said he's willing to take it in and do the job but I'm a bit hesitant , I don't want to open a can of worms....I know for sure I'm not running on the original belt / pump. This engine was allegedly rebuilt a few thousand miles ago but that was 10+ years ago


I'm more focused on getting the radiator fan to turn on and keeping my temperatures down under 200F. No sense in dumping money into the t-belt job before then

I would highly recommend doing the timing belt and water pump. These are interference engines and the belts can break with age but, it’s mostly just for peace of mind. Unless, you can find some sticker or indicator that the timing belt was replaced within seven years or 100,000 miles
The top cover clips were easy to take off, but from what he told me, he says that part of the timing belt cover is actually also the motor mount? That I don’t know about… I didn’t really get that far into the engine. After he installed the timing belt, the car ran a lot better, and my thoughts were that perhaps the timing might’ve been a bit off on the injection pump, hence why it had smoking and hard starting. Also, the installation of a new water pump, with improved impeller, seem to keep the car at stable temperatures.

Honestly, the whole cooling system, timing belt, etc. should be gone through for optimal performance.
But, that’s just me. I like to preemptively replace things, especially on an engine like this where it’s known for the head to crack if it overheats
Part of the reason why I sold it. I knew I was in for a real ball buster DIY job, on top of a bunch of other projects.
I’ll be happy to buy it back from him after he does all the work of fixing it though

 

[Mike NXP]

Thanks for posting some info Andy, helpful.

Yeah so I finally got my local Toyota guy to find time to let me bring it in the shop. She's going in for timing belt, water pump, and whatever other crap breaks as that's getting done.

The guy who bought it from you is right, the service procedure instructs to completely remove motor mount as part of the timing belt steps...Honestly for someone with a shop and skills, it might pay to just pull the motor out and work on it while on engine stand or bench.

So my situation is a little different than yours in the case that I've got no performance issues ( other than suspect cooling temps ) This engine starts up and idles better than any engine / diesel engine I've ever had. It barely even turns over and just fires right up. I'd hate to mess with that.
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The timing belt sticker under the hood says 1992 lol. So if you believe that I am certainly due. However if you believe the previous owner, he claims the engine was fully rebuilt down to the heads back in like 2014ish..

I believe I could probably just do nothing and it would be OK but I'm too paranoid so I'll feel better once I know it's been done.

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On a lighter note, I heard my fan turn on today while idling in traffic. The temp gauge showed right around 210F and then I heard it kick on. Sorta make sense, since I'm pulling temps from top of radiator and the sensor for the fan is at the bottom and seemingly a bit cooler? IDK

Once I heard the fan kick on, sitting at idle, I watch the temps drop back down under 200F which was pretty exciting to see.

I still believe under heavy load with hot outside temps, this engine would still get pretty damn... Curious to see if new water pump helps but I doubt it.

 

[Mike NXP]

 

[AndyMax]

Thanks for posting some info Andy, helpful.

Yeah so I finally got my local Toyota guy to find time to let me bring it in the shop. She's going in for timing belt, water pump, and whatever other crap breaks as that's getting done.

The guy who bought it from you is right, the service procedure instructs to completely remove motor mount as part of the timing belt steps...Honestly for someone with a shop and skills, it might pay to just pull the motor out and work on it while on engine stand or bench.

So my situation is a little different than yours in the case that I've got no performance issues ( other than suspect cooling temps ) This engine starts up and idles better than any engine / diesel engine I've ever had. It barely even turns over and just fires right up. I'd hate to mess with that.
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The timing belt sticker under the hood says 1992 lol. So if you believe that I am certainly due. However if you believe the previous owner, he claims the engine was fully rebuilt down to the heads back in like 2014ish..

I believe I could probably just do nothing and it would be OK but I'm too paranoid so I'll feel better once I know it's been done.

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On a lighter note, I heard my fan turn on today while idling in traffic. The temp gauge showed right around 210F and then I heard it kick on. Sorta make sense, since I'm pulling temps from top of radiator and the sensor for the fan is at the bottom and seemingly a bit cooler? IDK

Once I heard the fan kick on, sitting at idle, I watch the temps drop back down under 200F which was pretty exciting to see.

I still believe under heavy load with hot outside temps, this engine would still get pretty damn... Curious to see if new water pump helps but I doubt it.

Good man! Once that timing belt and water pump are serviced, I believe you will be running cooler. Then you’ll be having tons of trouble free miles and you can drive it until you get bored and then hit me up when you wanna sell it. lol I’m kidding… About you getting bored.
But if you do wanna sell, I already miss mine. . But I’ve got a high ace that needs an injection pump sealed, a Tdi that needs an alternator put in and a Benz wagon that needs some vacuum line work and some paint so I’ll be fine.

And congrats on 200k!

 

[Mike NXP]

Good man! Once that timing belt and water pump are serviced, I believe you will be running cooler. Then you’ll be having tons of trouble free miles and you can drive it until you get bored and then hit me up when you wanna sell it. lol I’m kidding… About you getting bored.
But if you do wanna sell, I already miss mine. . But I’ve got a high ace that needs an injection pump sealed, a Tdi that needs an alternator put in and a Benz wagon that needs some vacuum line work and some paint so I’ll be fine.

And congrats on 200k!

Yeah I hope so. The guys at my local shop were nice enough to take it in and will be working on the timing belt and water pump job over the next week or two.....

I bet I could just keep on driving it as is but the peace of mind getting all of this done will be nice. Today I gave it the beans and floored it up a hill for 10-15 second and the temps shot up so quickly. I could see how people blow these motors up.

I considered selling it at one point but honestly its so damn fun to sit in this thing and fire it up each morning. It sounds like an old school bus and is so fun to drive...Sound like you've got plenty of projects ahead of you

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I hope to get both fans working as they should and then will be really curious to see if the new water pump will really change anything or if these hot temps under load symptoms will still exist
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Also put 10% tints on all the glass recently which really helps not roast in the sun and makes me look like an old school drug dealer so that's fun

 

[LXPlode]

Hey Mike I may be joining the club, got my sights on a commuter now!

 

[Mike NXP]

Hey Mike I may be joining the club, got my sights on a commuter now!

View attachment 3967897

Nice! Looks pretty clean so far, the beauty of a California car ( I assume? )

No rust?.... Does she run? Tell me more

I've been in a state of depression while my Camry sits and collects dust at the local mechanic until he gets motivated enough to do my timing belt / water pump....in his defense, I made the mistake of saying " take your time , I'm in no rush " lol , worst thing to ever say to someone you're paying for a service

 

[Mike NXP]

Well it's been an uneventful summer for my old Camry. It sat in the mechanics yard for the past three months and I eventually just decided to take it back and ride it out for now.

My goal was to get timing belt / water pump done , but they couldn't find the time . No big deal, shes running good. It was 94F outside today and temps stayed under control

Hopefully she keeps on chugging, happy motoring ~

 

[LXPlode]

Nice! Looks pretty clean so far, the beauty of a California car ( I assume? )

No rust?.... Does she run? Tell me more

I've been in a state of depression while my Camry sits and collects dust at the local mechanic until he gets motivated enough to do my timing belt / water pump....in his defense, I made the mistake of saying " take your time , I'm in no rush " lol , worst thing to ever say to someone you're paying for a service

Runs! Ca car a moms car on non-op