97 Toyota Camry let. 2.2

You need to check and see if you have spark and fuel entering the cylinders before anything

Any warning lights on or flashing when the engine is running?

How do I check to see if I have spark or fuel in the cylinders? And I don't remember seeing any warning lights on in the dashboard. The engine isn't currently running.

Ok....we use a HEI Spark tester. This spark tester looks like a standard spark plug with clip on the side to attack to ground. We also use a....Noid Light. This tester is a special light that plugs into one of the connectors for the fuel injectors. Both are cheap and available at most Auto Parts stores with both in place....we can crank the engine over and check for spark and fuel injector pulses at the same time. We also may install a Fuel Pressure Gage which checks the Fuel Pump for proper operation. Get back with results.

Thank u for suggestions. Much appreciated. IDK why, and I may be wrong but listening to your suggestions, it almost sounds like the fuel pump. I was worried about the timing belt. I had 1 go on a mid 80s Prelude, and the car totally died. On the 97 Camry, is the fuel pump located in the gas tank??

I think the FP is indeed in the FT. You might want to check the Fuel Filter first. Remove same and empty the FF into a clear container like a old water bottle. Try to blow through the filter with your mouth. If your cheeks puff up....the ff is restricted. The Fuel pump can be access from under the rear seat.. The Fuel Pump Relay is called a ....Circuit Opening Relay. C/OPN. Good luck.

Without any special tools you can test for fuel by removing a plug or 2 after cranking it over for a few seconds, if its dry you have no fuel making it into the cylinders then you would want to test the fuel pump then if the pump tests good you'd want to use the noid lights. To test for spark you remove a plug, put in into a plug wire and touch the plug to a clean unpainted piece of metal on the engine nd watch for spark as someone cranks its over. If you have spark you now want to pay attention to the color of it, orange is weak, blue or white is strong. I hope this helps

Regarding that concern ....Timing Belt. We usually do a visual inspection by partially removing the top of the timing belt cover. Also....if you decide to start removing Spark Plugs for inspection...might as well remove them all and do a Compression Test on all the cylinders. ALSO....pull the engine dip stick and inspect the engine oil. Does the oil smell like GAS.? If it does...we have other issues. Keep us up to date on this interesting issue.

Yes. I like to thank you for your input and your suggestions for my 1997 Toyota Camry, 2.2 . But my worst fear came true. It is the timing belt. My question is, is it worth fixing?? Can the valves be bent ?? The car stalled at a red light, so I wasn't in flight, that is driving at 50 mph. But I did try to start it numerous times, so I may have push the tooth on the belt more off during the attempts to start it. Would you put a new belt in ? Or is it too much a risk ? Pls, I could use some advice Pls.

P. S. Also another question. U suggested pulling out all 4 plugs and do a compression test on the cylinders. Will a compression test tell me if the valves are bent , or at least give me a hint ?? Because I don't know whether to proceed with a new install of timing belt or not. The car does have over 200 k on it, but was a smooth running car prior to this issue. I'm trying to decide whether to proceed or scrap the vehicle. Any advice would help. Thank you.

It is my opinion.....the only way to take a accurate compression test is to have the crank and camshsfts IN TIME. Thus.....a new timing belt needs to be installed...and...properly timed. However...if you can borrow a inspection scope....you could visually inspect the inside of each cylinder....the pistons...and the valves.....before ...any investment into a timing belt replacement.. BTW....how did you determine the timing belt is the root cause of this issue?

You 'll need the timing belt in proper order before you can do a compression test, you can use a borascope down the spark plug hole to inspect the piston tops for any signs of the valve making contact. If there had been contact you would have heard it as a quick rattle as the engine shut down. Fixing it is a matter of opinion really, if the car is in decent shape and you want to keep it going then sure its worth it, if your engine is repairable is the question or do you try to find a low(er) milage motor from an auto recyclers. I just rebuild the cylinder head and replaced the piston rings, timing belt ectera on my 1997 Tercel 2 door because I love the thing and have so much time invested in it that I'm not willing to give up on it unless the body and structure rot away

I understand what u r saying, but at 200 k miles, ultimately not feasible to fix this. I don't know any other way out, except to sell for parts I am a carpenter by trade, and experience with cars compared to you, is limited. I never rebuilt heads, or did motor work on it. I am frustrated because the car rides and handles very well, especially for a 20 yr old vehicle. The suspension, brakes, and motor were pretty solid. Car has power everything, windows, mirrors, AC was cold etc. If u know anyone who will by it for parts, Pls let me know. It seems too much of a risk to pit a timing belt on it just to find out there may be engine damage or valve trouble. I thank u for your suggestions, because they were very helpful. May have to sell for parts. Idk.

Ya its a gamble (probably around $100). You could always call an auto recyclers to see how much they can get you a used engine for and ask if they can refer you to someone to add some fresh parts (ie timing belt) and swap them. I always weigh the cost of repair versus a new used vehicle and the costs incurred in registering a new vehicle, I take comfort in knowing what's good and bad with my vehicles versus the unknown. Add up the figures, weigh your options and see what makes the best sense for you