Toyota Camry Engine Problems

IT SOUNDS like a problem with the fuel supply, so I would have it checked from tank forward. Make sure nothing in the tank is causing a blockage of the fuel pickup; check the pump, the lines and every part of the fuel system through to the injectors themselves.

LIKE anything used, there is a risk. Though you might be told a motor has done 30,000km, there's no way of knowing the truth, so a warranty is important. Fitting a rebuilt engine is the best course, but the risk of fitting a second-hand imported unit is worth considering given your car has such high mileage and won't be worth much anyway.

IT'S HARD to diagnose the sort of problem you report without actually driving the car. Whining noises can be caused by many different factors. The best thing to do is to take your car to a Toyota dealer for proper diagnosis.

TOYOTA generally doesn't recommend converting its cars to LPG. Fuel use of 9.9 litres for 100km is fairly economic, and the car probably would lose performance if converted.

THE dealer may have found the gaskets were leaking but the leak wasn't serious enough to warrant fixing immediately. If the leak is nothing more than a slight weep, it might not have been enough for the RACV mechanic to pick up. Because the car is running perfectly I wouldn't be too concerned, but I would make a mental note and keep a careful watch on the temperature gauge. If it indicates the engine is running hot, get the car to your mechanic and have it checked again.

YOUR car is the 30 Series and has the 2AZ-FE 2.4-litre engine. There is a kit manufactured for that model by Sprintgas (ph: 9350 5500). Ask Sprintgas for its experience on the Camry, and perhaps talk to others who have had their cars done.

THERE'S no problem running the V6 on LPG. It's a popular conversion. There's an IMPCO kit available that fits well into the car.

GEORGE Peake, of Victorian Autogas Supplies, says he fits a Flashlube system if owners ask for it, but he doesn't think it's necessary. Toyota engines are robust enough to do without it, he says.

IF YOUR car is running well with no stalling or rough running, I wouldn't bother with the service. The service manager is more than likely trying to stooge you into handing over more money for something that isn't needed. An injector clean costs about $100. As for fuel system cleaners, my view is they can be effective if you use them regularly, but they don't work so well if you use them only when there's a problem. They are more a prevention than a cure.

IT'S cheaper to do it without removing the injectors. I have found that to be effective. Removing the injectors is probably more effective, but costs more. I would take the in-car route first.