I had similar problem but mine became worse as after i changed my fan from auto fluid to electrical fan, my car refuse 2 stay running it go off on its own, i equally change my top gasket, fuel pump, oil filter, and sum few more but the car still refuse to say running i really need held.
Aug 27, 2010 Rating
Head by: Tom
My 96 Camry had a cracked head. unusual but it happens. Oil in the radiator? Heater work. Probably a cracked head.
Jul 22, 2009 Rating
1996 Toyota Camry, No A/C and Engine Overheats by: Jeff
Thanks for your reply (and advice).
I checked some of the things you mentioned...
When the car runs with the A/C on, both fans come on.
Coolant level is good and reservoir is filled to the fill line.
There is no white exhaust.
I also believe the pressure check on the coolant system was done and turned out okay...but I will double check that.
As far as the 200.00 estimate at EVIT, it's basically a donation.
EVIT is a teaching school (teaching our young mechanics). I give them my car to work on, and it gives the students hands-on-experience. That's why the price is so low.
That said, you brought up a good point. How do I get them to verify that this is the problem? I'll contact the EVIT instructor and asked him how the Toyota dealership determined that the head gasket was at fault.
Quite perplexing, isn't, it?
I'll post updates.
Thanks again, Steve, for your suggestions.
Steve Says,
I'm becoming more wary of their head gasket diagnosis since NONE of the typical symptoms are present. The first thing that I would do is verify how the dealer determined that the head gasket was bad. It is possible that the head gasket is the problem, but like I said, I'm becoming more and more skeptical.
It makes sense now why the estimate is so cheap! Schools are a good option for getting work done at a cheaper price. As far as how to get them to verify this diagnosis...it seems like they would do this anyway. With this being a place for training mechanics you would think that they would want to figure this out and have a firm diagnosis. I would just try telling them that you do want to make sure that it is the head gaskets before they proceed.
