1995 Toyota Camry High Idle

1995 TOYOTA CAMRY
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JOIE
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  • 1 POST
I had all the major gaskets (6 I was told) replaced in my Camry last year( I bought it at Auction in April 05,, it was a one owner all highway driven car up till then) but my car still exhibits slow steady oil loss on driving, though never any leaks when its standing.... within the last few months it has been starting to idle higher than normal,,, on and off,,though now the idle is at least 2k pretty regular, i checked oil levels, they were/are normal. Suddenly yesterday,,, it attempted to jump from 2k rpm to 3k rpm while i was driving it(Im trying not to drive it at all right now) The engine feels and sounds smooth but the oil issue remains and now i am hearing the engine,, my friend got under it and thought he saw a hole in the muffler line, to explain the noise part,,,, any ideas before i show up at the repair place would be most helpful
1995 Toyota Camry; 4 cylinder; 249,000 miles; standard
Apr 13, 2006 at 2:34 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
If I had 249K miles on me I would use oil too! I suspect it is a tired engine. Balance the cost of oil and a new engine.

The high idle is a vacuum issue either with the idle air controller or a major vacuum leak. The brake booster may be a prime suspect. Disconnect the brake vacuum hose, block it and start the engine. if it runs OK you have the problem. Let me know
Apr 13, 2006 at 10:53 AM

Suggested Repair

Check for a vacuum leak or faulty idle air controller, with the brake booster as a prime suspect: disconnect and block the brake vacuum hose, then start the engine to see if idle returns to normal. High-mileage oil use may indicate a worn engine; compare the cost of adding oil with engine replacement. A possible muffler leak may explain the exhaust noise.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1995 Toyota Camry with 249,000 miles reports steady oil loss while driving but no leaks when parked, plus an idle that has risen to about 2,000 rpm and briefly surged higher. The engine runs smoothly, and a friend suspected a hole in the muffler. The expert attributes oil use to a tired high-mileage engine and the high idle to a vacuum leak, idle air controller, or brake booster, recommending a blocked brake-vacuum-hose test.

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