AboutTed Ritter Expertise I have more than 26 years experience as toyota technician, I will be able to answer most questions related to the toyota product line up to the present year models, I specialize in difficult to diagnose problems but when posting a question please keep in mind that some situations require the used of special test equipment and diagnostic procedures especially as the newer models become more technologically advanced, so without actually having the car on hand I may only be able to try to steer you in the right direction and in some cases may have to refer you to the toyota dealer but at least you will know what you may be dealing with. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I will have an answer for you in most cases. When posting a question keep in mind that I reside in the US, although I get questions from all over the world I may not have an answer for models that are not sold in the US, I will do a reasonable search to try to match your model to the US model,please refrain from asking about diesel powered vehicles, I have no information for them. In most cases I will not answer questions about major modifications of OEM components, engine swapping or aftermarket products,please post a question not a statement, please provide enough basic information such as year, model, what engine and if anything has already been done to fix the problem, the more information I get the more I can help without having to ask you more questions.
Experience Toyota technician since 1979,expert in electrical systems,OBD systems,engine repair, driveability problems,EFI systems,ASE certified,Toyota master technician. Certified Hybrid Vehicle technician.
Education/Credentials Toyota master technician, ASE certified in eight catagories, Hybrid vehicle certified.
I am trouble-shooting a drive-ability problem by with my car. To see if the EGR valve is the culprit, I have removed and plugged the vacuum line from the EGR valve.
So far after driving the car like this for a day (18 miles), I have not had the driveablity issues but this is only one day of removing the EGR from contributing to symptoms. I need to leave the EGR valve plugged for more than one day to test out my theory.
How long can I leave the vacuum line removed from the EGR and plugged?
What does disabling the EGR valve do to the engine besides not feed exhaust gasses into the engine?
Thanks Ted!
Sincerely,
Mike
ANSWER: You can leave it unplugged for as long as you need to verify the problem, if the valve is disabled the NOX emissions will be higher and the engine may run a little warmer than normal, other than that there are no performance issues.
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QUESTION: Hi Ted,
I asked how to clean a sticking EGR valve on my 95 Camry with 157K miles about two weeks ago. You sent directions on how to clean it out and lubricate the pinot shaft with WD40. I followed your directions and now the EGR valve works fine! I could not get the car inspected without the EGR working but MANY THANKS for your guidance which allowed my car to run normally again without plugging the vac hose to the EGR!
You really empower me building confidence into me with all your assistance, Ted.
The confidence you build in me is inspiring me to contemplate changing the timing belt and water pump on my Camry. I have 93K miles on the timing belt and the belt was installed in 2000 by a dealer. That seems to be a LONG time for a timing belt! How can one tell if a belt is wearing out without taking off the timing belt cover?
Since the car has 157K miles I plan to have the water pump replaced too. The Toyota garage said labor for the belt and water pump is 5.5 hours and will cost me $368. I have the time to spend two days on the car repair at my parents garage if necessary.
I need to research this procedure but was wondering if I need special tools to do any of this work or will ordinary mechanics tools get me through?
Many Thanks Ted!
Sincerely,
Mike
ANSWER: The only special tools that would be needed is a long breaker bar and a chain wrench to hold the crankshaft pulley to break the 19mm crankshaft pulley bolt loose, unless there is access to an air impact wrench.
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QUESTION: Hi Ted,
I have access to an air impact wrench. When using the air wrench to remove the crankshaft pulley nut, do I need to make sure the crankshaft does not move?
When reinstalling the nut on the crankshaft pulley, how does one hold the crankshaft timing pulley still while torqueing the nut to 80 foot pounds?
My Chilton Import repair manual and Alldatadiy.com car repair subscription both have me removing the camshaft timing pulley, crankshaft timing pulley, # 1 and # 2 idler pulleys, tension spring, and the oil pump drive pulley. I thought after removing the tension spring from the # 1 idler pulley I might gain enough slack to slide the belt off all the pulleys.
Which of those parts do I need to remove to get the belt off and then back on, Ted?
Thank You!
Answer If an air wrench is used the pulley doesn't need to be held. the tool has enough power to remove the nut the same goes for retorqueing it, do not remove any of those pulleys unless the seals are replaced, if the seals are not leaking oil leave them as is. Loosen the tensiner bolt the compress it against the spring and lock the bolt again this will allow the timing belt to be removed. When using the air wrench the pulley may mova a small amount, after the bolt is off move the pulley so that the mark is at the zero mark on the cover before removing the pulley.
