Toyota Camry 2007 Radiator Blown - Mechanic Says Scrap Car

Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 18:27
Last edited 02/03/2023 - 07:33 by 2 other users

MY 2007 Camry recently had a blown radiator, my girlfriend said she stopped driving as soon as she noticed steam started coming out of the engine and engine started shaking. The car stills turns over and drives, but it's shaking along with check engine light flashing.

I got it towed to the mechanic who has said there is 98% chance that the engine is gone but he can't tell for sure without me spending about $500 for them to take it apart and investigate, does that sound right? He then said it's not worth it, to replace the engine at close to 4K, and that he knows a bloke who will give me $500 for the car. Is it possible this is a scam and he knows they can easily fix it and turn a large profit - second hand these things go for up to $9k - $10k depending on condition.

I know it impossible to say without seeing the car, but based on my description does anyone have any suggestions? I'm really attached to the car and don't want to get rid of it unless it's certainly a dud engine.

Automotive Car Toyota

Comments

  • Master Bates on 01/03/2023 - 18:30
    +23

    Remember the 3 quote rule!

    • boomramada on 01/03/2023 - 20:14
      +14

      That's mean op has to tow it to two other places? $$$

      • Master Bates on 01/03/2023 - 20:15
        -1

        No, verbalise as above, ask for probable cause and ask how much to assess.

        • spackbace on 01/03/2023 - 21:22
          +23

          So call a mechanic and give them basic details and expect a proper quote?!

          Lol good luck

          • Master Bates on 01/03/2023 - 23:33

            @spackbace: I agree that I wouldn't expect a resolution from the phone call, only an idea whether I am being ripped off based on the first person to provide a diagnosis. It may or may not prove fruitful, just a second and third opinion is all.

        • peterpaoliello on 03/03/2023 - 08:16
          +3

          On that basis they just received a dozen assessments here

      • HeWhoKnows on 02/03/2023 - 12:29
        +5

        OP should consider that the blown radiator may be just a symptom of a bigger problem

        The mechanic needs to determine the cause….

        May have been a blown head gasket allowing exhaust gas to blow into the coolant under pressure and so forcing coolant out of the system and also increasing the pressure well beyond normal.

        Or maybe the damage was already done when OPs girlfriend stopped.

        Or maybe just one of the radiator hoses failed

        Or maybe al of the above!

        For what OP says the engine is profusly protesting so the issue wont be a simple one.

        But with the engine light on, surely the first thing a mechanic should do is to plug in a diagnostic scanning tool to see what the computer is saying???

        • ThePasserby on 03/03/2023 - 03:33

          Some optimistic insight…
          If it runs fine for a minute or two with little gas, I'd say the engine is probably fine.
          Engine shaking when overheated could be an intelligent ECM inhibiting injection to some cylinders to prevent further heating up/damage.
          You'll notice low torque from engine if this is the case.

          This is what I experienced with my Murano. I got Lube Mobile to replace the radiator in my garage. They also did a service. Was less than $3k all up.
          I used a Bluetooth OBD2 ($5 on AliExpress) to clear the engine overheat fault and the check engine light went off.

          • matt-ozb on 05/03/2023 - 08:54

            @ThePasserby: $3K for service and radiator replacement is a rip-off

            • ThePasserby on 08/03/2023 - 15:02

              @matt-ozb: Did not have the costs on me at time of writing…
              $2,070.08 to be exact. Including AC regas.
              In the murrano you have to remove the AC evaporator to access the radiator.

              Done a year ago, so, it would likely cost a bit more these days with inflation. Lucky that RBA is doing an awesome job on it.
              I'd be happy to hear an update from OP.

        • meong on 03/03/2023 - 08:51
          +3

          yeah this happened to me on a $2000 car i had back then.

          the steam coming out of the hood is sometimes clear enough indication of the coolant mixing with the oil. blown head gasket usually means it's already misaligned/warped due to the heat anyway so engine replacement is needed…

          i ended up writing it off

          • Serapis on 04/03/2023 - 21:44

            @meong: I had one where the plastic bit of the radiator cracked and coolant shot everywhere. OEM replacement + labour at mechanic was just $600. No engine issues.

            That was 50k kms ago so problem can vary greatly.

          • Ozsaver88 on 07/03/2023 - 01:24

            @meong: Very similar sequence of events happened to my sedan 14 years ago. Yeah time flies ;)

        • Serapis on 04/03/2023 - 21:42

          So many other factors too:

          Did the girlfriend stop driving but leave the car running?

          Did OP drive the car after radiator was blown / it was low on coolant

    • NPB on 04/03/2023 - 23:28
      +1

      I just recently sold my 1999 Camry which had done 300k + for $1000 to the scrap guys . It was running well but had Color faded . It had started making noise while turning . I would not suggest to give for $500 if you choose to send it to scrap .

  • sam-1966 on 01/03/2023 - 18:31
    -3

    My 2004 Camry is just fine. Get more quotes!

    • spackbace on 01/03/2023 - 18:32
      +32

      Does your '04 have a dead engine?

      • sam-1966 on 01/03/2023 - 18:34
        -7

        Okay… no… but I've had three camries at they all needed alternators…

        • spackbace on 01/03/2023 - 18:34
          +20

          she noticed steam started coming out of the engine and engine started shaking.

          That's not just an alternator though

          • sam-1966 on 01/03/2023 - 18:36
            +4

            @spackbace: I get it. I will add another comment. Sorry.

            • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 18:53
              +1

              @sam-1966: Alternator did play up and was replaced about a year ago, the engine is definitely not happy at the moment

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 19:01
      +1

      yeah but I have to pay to tow it around and was hoping to get a better idea of if its worth it or not.

      • Seraphin7 on 01/03/2023 - 20:26

        Hmmmm, yes, tricky. Tricky.

        But I'm not sure anyone on here is going to be able to give you any better answer than "get a second opinion".

        Clearly the thing sounds like it totally stuffed in its current state … no one can possibly determine if its economic to fix it without knowing exactly what is wrong with it.

        So it's either take old mate at is word and move on … or buy a tow to another join to get a second opinion that may or may put you in a better position than you are already in.

      • oddyseeh on 03/03/2023 - 10:24
        +1

        see if you can pay a mechanic to come and look at the car. like a call out fee

      • pinkybrain on 04/03/2023 - 01:49
        +2

        call some mobile mechanics to come to you

    • boomramada on 01/03/2023 - 22:33
      +5

      When mechanic saying

      not worth it, to replace the engine at close to 4K, and that he knows a bloke who will give me $500

      I would say mechanic is honest based on the value of the car. I remember the time machanic told me to look for new car when my falling apart.

    • lonewolf on 03/03/2023 - 23:14
      +2

      I also have a camry 2004 and all my mechanics / service guys i have taken it too, tell me to keep it for several hundred thousand Ks as Camry engines never die and can keep going for a long time. I am surprised a 2007 Camry can have this issue unless it wasnt looked after well or serviced yearly.

      • Nanokillaz on 04/03/2023 - 14:49

        In this case, the mechanic most likely suspects that due to overheating, the cylinder walls or the pistons themselves of the engine have warped and deformed. In which case, a new engine is needed.

        Toyotas unlike newer Eurocars have an engine temperature on the dash. It should have been easy to see the engine was overheating before steam was coming out from the car.

        I don't think the mechanic is ripping them off…but if you're that worried just get a new radiator and see if you can run the car. But most likely it's fked.

        • lonewolf on 04/03/2023 - 15:51

          The new cars dont have a engine temp light? Is that right? Isnt it always good to have so you can see when a problem is starting to come up?

        • lonewolf on 04/03/2023 - 16:26
          -1

          Not a joke (not even sure why that comment was there since its obvious…) and wasnt comparing. I was saying Camrys are renowned for having quality parts and non-issues and designed to last a long time without issues as long as they have been looked after as expected.

          If they are serviced regularly with right coolants / liquid levels etc, there would be cracks forming or some signs generally before something this severe occurs from what i was told.

  • spackbace on 01/03/2023 - 18:32
    +14

    6-7k buys you one and yes it's true that a blown engine could be costly and unnecessary

    No it's not a scam, it's worth scrap money now

    • mskeggs on 01/03/2023 - 18:51
      +2

      Wow. At least $2k dearer around Sydney. I wonder if QLD is the bellwether for used car prices coming down.

      • Lichen6420 on 02/03/2023 - 08:18
        +5

        Keep in mind too this car has 260k on it. I wouldn't go any where near it, it's 16 years old with high km's.

        • derrida derider on 04/03/2023 - 22:00

          As is OP's car. I reckon its scrap.

    • Worf on 02/03/2023 - 09:26
      +4

      I scrapped an old corolla for about $500. heaps old, but still ran fine… i was more concerned about the ageing safety features (or lack thereof) and the increasingly popular larger/heavier cars on the road.

      • xrayed giraffe on 03/03/2023 - 21:08
        +6

        I feel attcked.
        My corolla turns 20 next year.

        • CMH on 03/03/2023 - 21:34

          Mine too!

          Doesn't have ABS, ESC, or even power windows!

          I'm just glad it has central locking…

          The car I bought to replace it has automatic everything. Except an automatic shifter…

          • Meconium on 04/03/2023 - 09:28
            +4

            @CMH: Mine too (19 next year). I honestly love the lack of bullshit features. The car doesn’t beep if I don’t put my seatbelt on within ten seconds of moving, it doesn’t constantly beep at me when I back out next to the hedge, it doesn’t have an alarm that goes off randomly because people wouldn’t steal it anyway (wouldn’t put it past them I suppose).

            All those so-called safety and convenience functions make driving a chore for me. I’d rather get in, start the engine and cruise off without hassle. I wouldn’t begrudge anyone a project car or cool driving experience, but I’ve never gotten into that so the Corolla works for me. People forking out for Porsche SUVs and other stupidly overpriced family cars are fools imo though. Driving for the sake of it without annoying features to help people who never learnt to reverse park etc is much simpler and lower stress, and a cheap car means I don’t have to care much about the occasional ding or keeping it spotless. Go the Corolls Royce.

        • Worf on 04/03/2023 - 08:50
          +1

          Mine was a 95 model, I think I scrapped it around 2019. Had 300,000 on the odometer.

          Bought secondhand. Relatively reliable. The problems/maintenance that I couldn’t fix/do myself:

          • rear main seal engine oil leak
          • replace cv boot
          • one of the belts (drive/serpentine… the cheap one to fix)
          • water pump replacement
          • timing belt replacement (routine 100k)
          • alternator replacement
          • bloody rear drum brake shoes!

          I was happy with it considering how long I had it for. Currently have a 2009 model (bought secondhand), the only thing requiring a call out from roadside assist: flat battery (wife was stuck at work and it was more convenient for racq to do) and ?flooded engine… the guy just kept it on start (probs about 5-10seconds) until it worked!

    • ihbh on 01/03/2023 - 18:36
      +26

      as they have the technical knowhow to fix it for much cheaper than you would be able to

      That's like saying brain surgery is a scam

      • Meconium on 04/03/2023 - 09:30

        I’ve never had my neurosurgeon lowball me on my broken brain

    • plmko on 01/03/2023 - 23:17
      -2

      That's one retarded analogy you have there.

      • s1Lence on 03/03/2023 - 09:13
        -2

        That's one retarded vocabulary you have there

  • Gunnar on 01/03/2023 - 18:36
    +20

    I’d be very suss on someone who was so quick to offer you cash to take it off your hands

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 19:00
      +4

      thats what i thought, he knows i just got a new car also, so i'm not exactly desperate to keep it..

    • banana365 on 03/03/2023 - 19:59
      +2

      As opposed to taking half an hour to justify to OP why they should scrap it? I've taken longer to reach the "not economical to repair" decision, but a mechanic will go through this all the time. A quick decision reached through knowledge and experience does not mean it's a scam.

      • derrida derider on 04/03/2023 - 22:06

        Yep, if the mechanic was dishonest he'd have been saying "no worries mate I'll just replace the radiator for you" and then "discover" after billing you a grand or so for that that "you need a complete rebuild which I can do at mate's rates for you - say 4 grand". I reckon OP is getting sensible advice.

  • sam-1966 on 01/03/2023 - 18:36
    +2

    I made a mistake when I mentioned the alternator - spackbase knows Toyotas more that the rest of us - and I am serious about that.

    Take his advice and scrap.

  • MS Paint on 01/03/2023 - 18:37

    I'll give you $600. What's your payid. My address for delivery is 25 Vista Road. Point Piper.

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 18:58

      im in GC, a bit of a tow…

      • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 19:14

        What mechanics is it at?

  • mskeggs on 01/03/2023 - 18:48
    +20

    The radiator cools the engine. When the engine is cold, it will run fine with no radiator until it heats up.
    If the car is “shaking” something is very amiss, I guess there is buckling from an overheated engine.
    If the engine is deformed, that is a very major issue, and likely makes your car too costly to repair economically, unless you can fix it for reduced labour costs, like a mechanic might do themselves.

    I’m no mechanic, and there are plenty here who are, so listen to what they have to say.

    • peterpaoliello on 03/03/2023 - 08:20
      +5

      Everyone seems to be glossing over the shaking and vibration comments. I can't see how this engine isn't cooked given that. There is no cheap easy fix with the symptoms given the cause.

      If you're really attached to the car spend the $4k since if you were going to get another exactly like it. Otherwise if you have the budget for $12k+ for a substantial upgrade then take the $500 and run.

      Him being quick to offer scrap service isn't a red flag to me given, you know, he's a mechanic.

      • Jackson on 04/03/2023 - 22:37

        I agree it's likely to be cooked, however there is a cheap way to get it fixed. You go to a wrecker that sells second hand engines, and let's face it it's a camry so t won't be hard to find half a dozen, and ask them if they can put the engine in for you. The engine might cost you 500-750 at a guess, and the labour around the same. For around 1500 bucks you got your car going again. Lob the guy an extra couple of hundred and they will usually do all the seals for you also, so you should have 100k km of trouble free motoring without anything too major to deal with. I have done this before and it went well, you just got to ring around and find the right people someone making a bit on the engine doesn't have to rob you on the install.

        And even though the engine might be cooked, it's still worth working this out for sure. The OPs issue is he has no experience himself, he should pay a mechanic to come and look at it, but it's hard because he will only get further in the hole

        • whorishmouth on 05/03/2023 - 11:27
          +1

          Good idea. I did a drive in drive out replacement engine in a ford focus sedan from a wrecker for $1600 about 4 years ago. Thing ran better than it ever did previously.

        • peterpaoliello on 05/03/2023 - 18:03
          +1

          I'm assuming that's the plan, and for me the extra couple K is worth the insurance of maintaining accountability as you get from going with the same supplier and installer.

          I walk in off the street with an engine in a pallet, unknown history, no way you'd be able to follow up if it didn't turn over. I expect the service of taking it apart to inspect everything isn't something quoted in the original price.

          If $4k is for the install of a new engine that's a pretty good deal too

  • Drakesy on 01/03/2023 - 18:48
    +6

    If it's shaking it might have developed a misfire which could be multiple things, spark plugs, coil packs etc. Then again if the engine really is fried (which is highly likely - gaskets cooked) then the $3-4k for a reconditioned engine wouldn't be worth it.

    Honestly if you want to dump $4k into a 16 year old camry go for it.

    Or you could retrieve $500$-1000 of that and buy a new one for $5k that has a known good engine.

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 18:56
      -5

      all my research tells me this too, as does the mechanic. my concern is that it could jsut be spark plugs or something very minor or, it could also just as likely be a blown gasket…

      • Mechz on 01/03/2023 - 20:04
        +8

        You don't have to sell it to that mechanic for scrap. Call around and get the best price from someone who will pick it up for 'free'.

      • JDMcarfan on 01/03/2023 - 22:35
        +12

        steam and violent shaking is not a sign of spark plugs or anything else minor tbh.
        At a minimum you've got a blown head gasket which will be at least 1.5-2k to fix (rough numbers, I'm no mechanic), or a cooked engine which as others have said will be a 4-5k adventure to replace with another of unknown condition.
        Tough spot to be put in but if you have a new car at least you still have a transport option available. Is the car likely worth more than $500 in its current state (fried engine or not) sure but honestly not really worth your time (& tow money) to get a couple hundred bucks more. I would negotiate with mechanic for a bit more money and also say that its excl. rego unless he wants to pay for that too. you might end up getting $1250 - $1500 all up then incl. rego refund/payment for what's left (presuming that mechanic will fix and drive).
        Those radiator stop leaks are also a good shout (albeit they will kill the engine longer term)

      • xuqi on 02/03/2023 - 08:17
        +3

        "MY 2007 Camry recently had a blown radiator, my girlfriend said she stopped driving as soon as she noticed steam started coming out of the engine and engine started shaking."

        "The car stills turns over and drives, but it's shaking along with check engine light flashing."

        "my concern is that it could jsut be spark plugs or something very minor"

        Lol, which is the odd one out? :)

        • WhyAmICommenting on 02/03/2023 - 20:00
          +2

          “One of these is not like the other”

      • Worf on 02/03/2023 - 09:32
        +3

        In my view, paying $500 for diagnostics is well worth it. I'd prefer to pay $500 to potentially save me from having to buy another car. I guess it's more about whether you trust the mechanic. He could easily do the diagnostics and say the engine's gone and then you might be in the same position… is he just saying that to try to low ball you.

        Re scrap value. i scrapped a corolla for about $500 (they came around to my house with a flat bed truck). I'm pretty confident that you could get $500 from a scrap metal guy (just call around if it gets to that stage), or you could part it out, but that can be a pain… you might get a small refund for remaining CTP as well.

        • ssfps on 02/03/2023 - 20:38
          +2

          I would do the diagnostics, but only if the car was otherwise in great shape.

          If the car isn't well cared for, eg roof sagging, clearcoat peeling, suspension never replaced and dampers are gone, etc etc, then yeah, I would get what I could for scrap.

        • yoquierotaco on 03/03/2023 - 11:23

          There are a lot of online sites now that will give you an estimate. they'll pick it up from wherever and give you cash.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/03/2023 - 09:58
        +1

        The check engine light and "shaking engine" should be a dead giveaway here that it's not just spark plugs…

        Also, if steam was coming out, that means that the engine was deprived of coolant. How long is the variable here.

        It's not a scam that it costs money to investigate the issue. An engine requires a lot of work to disassemble and check that it doesn't need a rebuild.

        Other people have said the same thing. Don't rely on your own inexperience here.

      • azonki on 02/03/2023 - 10:30
        +4

        Noticing steam coming out of the engine without noticing a rising needle on the temp gauge does not bode well for your poor Camry.
        It's highly likely that the engine overheated before this terminal event, and noone noticed the increase in operating temp.
        And if it wasn't shaking before the overheating, it's more likely a loss of compression due to a blown head gasket - rather than an electrical issue.
        Unless you can fix it yourself, take the advice of your mechanic. He is not trying to rip you off. He is trying to save you money.
        In the old days, we didn't have temp gauges, just idiot lights. But then we also had cast iron blocks and heads with relatively low compression.

      • CalmLemons on 02/03/2023 - 21:45
        +2

        Won't be the spark plugs bro.

        If it's shaking engine needs to be taken apart, engine probably overheated and now you have bent rods or warmed engine casing good luck it's gone.

        Most likely car was overheating well before she saw the steam, engine is gone bro.

        We did it for one isuzu truck, radiator pipe blew, thermostat was faulty so no warning until the engine literally just seize as the pistons had expanded so much from the heat that they got stick in the cylinders.

      • stumo on 03/03/2023 - 12:18

        it could also just as likely be a blown gasket

        No its not. It MORE likely to be the head gasket.

        The chances of any other very minor random thing occurring at exactly the same time as you girlfriend stopping the car after the engine started shaking and letting off steam is highly unlikely.

    • Grish on 05/03/2023 - 10:56

      So either pay $4k to get your beloved car running with a refurb engine VS $4k to buy a random Camry without a refurb engine?

      Hmm I'm not convinced the latter is the obvious best choice…

      • Drakesy on 05/03/2023 - 11:01

        He'll get say $1000-$1500 back from the wreckers

  • TEER3X on 01/03/2023 - 18:51
    +14

    Easy fix, toss out the old engine and drop a 454 big block in.

    • YellowDieselGolf on 02/03/2023 - 19:56
      +7

      It’s a Camry. It could have a w16 and it’d still do 20 under in the fast lane.

    • disturboed on 03/03/2023 - 09:45

      on methanol with a 8/71 out the hood……… mmmmmmmm

      • BartholemewH on 03/03/2023 - 21:14

        Go the 10/71, the Camry can handle it.

    • chartparker on 04/03/2023 - 20:17
      +1

      But… It's a Toyota. He needs a 2JZ, plus about 15 grand and overnight parts from Japan if he needs to

  • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 18:55
    +7

    Wouldn't take long to do a compression test. If comp test is bad, and the engine didn't seize, then it probably has a blown head gasket and warped head. Most likely wouldn't be needing an engine. How many kms on it?

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 18:57
      +1

      its done just over 260ks. Whats a compression test and how much would that cost me?

      • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 19:10
        +6

        They take out the spark plugs, put a pressure gauge into one cylinder spark plug hole at a time, and crank the motor over. This gives a rough idea as to the health of each cylinder. If you have a bad head gasket, it will possibly be low in at least one cylinder.

        Generally places will charge in half hour increments, would cost you half hour labour max.

        • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 19:17

          would the radiator need to be replaced first to get an accurate result and to prevent any damage / further damage during the test? if so, his quote of about $500 to find out is probably close to correct.

          • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 19:22
            +6

            @Jamoumou: No, radiator does not need to be replaced. What mechanics is it at?

            • MS Paint on 01/03/2023 - 19:26
              +9

              @brendanm: One day the op will answer your question Brendan. In the mean time, keep trying.

              • brendanm on 01/03/2023 - 19:53
                +5

                @MS Paint: I'm nothing if not persistent. Op has PMd me the mechanic 👍

            • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 19:33
              +1

              @brendanm: thanks, I DM you the mechanic name

              • Lichen6420 on 02/03/2023 - 08:03
                +1

                @Jamoumou: If it's a 2GR-FE V6 engine the rear spark plugs are an absolute BITCH to get to.

                And nobody is doing a full compression test on all the cylinders for 30mins labour, that's just a ridiculous expectation.

                • brendanm on 02/03/2023 - 08:17
                  +5

                  @Lichen6420: It's a Camry, so it's a 4 cylinder. Good try though ⭐

                  • Lichen6420 on 02/03/2023 - 08:20

                    @brendanm: There are 6cyl Camry's. Though admittedly I don't know if this era of Camry came with the option.

                    edit: Indeed you are correct, overseas Camry came optioned with a V6, Australia did not. We re-badged them and called it an Aurion. So yes relatively easy job, still nobody is going to do it for 30 mins labour.

                    • brendanm on 02/03/2023 - 09:26
                      +4

                      @Lichen6420: Correct, V6 Camry in 07 is an aurion. They sure would do it for half hour, it's already there, and is probably about 10 minutes work. It should have realistically been done as one of the very first steps when the car arrived.

  • JimmyF on 01/03/2023 - 19:05
    +2

    I got it towed to the mechanic who has said there is 98% chance that the engine is gone but he cant tell for sure without me spending about $500 for them to take it apart and investigate, does that sound right?.

    Yeah, as it will depend on how long the car ran without 'water' in the system to how bad it is 'cooked' as such.

    He then said its not worth it, to replace the engine at close to 4K, and that he knows a bloke who will give me $500 for the car

    His correct it is not worth spending money on a new engine and $500 is about the going rate for a car being scrapped.

    I'm really attached to the car and dont want to get rid of it unless its certainly a dud engine.

    Get the mechanic to drop a new radiator into the car, fill it up full of coolant and see how long it lasts. A new radiator, part only is sub $200, so should be no more than $500-600 to replace it and see. But you might have bigger issues at play in the engine, blown gaskets etc which will cost money.

    • Jamoumou on 01/03/2023 - 19:07

      makes sense, I guess they couldnt diagnose the engine correctly without fixing that first…

      • JimmyF on 01/03/2023 - 19:09
        +5

        That is the issue. Replace the radiator and you could still have 'issues' that need fixing with the engine. Clearly something else is wrong with the misfire/shake. Honestly you are at that point of as sad as it is, it might be time to let it go to the big scrap heap in the sky!

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