My mother's 1992 Camry, equipped with a 5S-FE engine, has developed a little oil leak in the vicinity of the distributor. I removed it and saw that the o-ring had hardened, with some oil present on the distributor side; thus, I shall replace it.
While awaiting the arrival of the part, I reinserted it and rejoined all other components; however, I inadvertently severed one of the coolant temperature sensor connecting wires in the process. I determined that it was not essential for the automobile to operate for a few seconds, so I activated the engine, which ran very roughly, barely beginning as if the timing were significantly misaligned, before ultimately stalling. To avoid any engine damage, I turned it off and concluded the day as it was becoming late.
The next day, I detached the distributor to see if I had installed it 180 degrees incorrectly, which might result in misfiring. Despite my efforts, even with the valve cover off, it would not fit as intended, so I reinstalled it as it was the prior day. I repaired the damaged connection wire and reconnected it; upon starting the engine, it operated well.
Could a detached coolant temperature sensor be the culprit, or may it be an alternative issue, such as a loose wire or connection that I neglected to reconnect, or perhaps I inadvertently dislodged something inside the distributor during its removal and reinstallation, therefore inadvertently rectifying the problem? Appears really arbitrary. It is possible that the distributor was initially misaligned when placed into the engine, but was correctly positioned upon the second attempt. I neglected to indicate that at its first removal.
Are there any oil lines next to the distributor, or only coolant lines, in the event that another source is responsible for the leak? I am replacing the valve cover gasket and half-moons, and have just changed the PCV, grommet, and breather line; I hope this will resolve the leak.
While awaiting the arrival of the part, I reinserted it and rejoined all other components; however, I inadvertently severed one of the coolant temperature sensor connecting wires in the process. I determined that it was not essential for the automobile to operate for a few seconds, so I activated the engine, which ran very roughly, barely beginning as if the timing were significantly misaligned, before ultimately stalling. To avoid any engine damage, I turned it off and concluded the day as it was becoming late.
The next day, I detached the distributor to see if I had installed it 180 degrees incorrectly, which might result in misfiring. Despite my efforts, even with the valve cover off, it would not fit as intended, so I reinstalled it as it was the prior day. I repaired the damaged connection wire and reconnected it; upon starting the engine, it operated well.
Could a detached coolant temperature sensor be the culprit, or may it be an alternative issue, such as a loose wire or connection that I neglected to reconnect, or perhaps I inadvertently dislodged something inside the distributor during its removal and reinstallation, therefore inadvertently rectifying the problem? Appears really arbitrary. It is possible that the distributor was initially misaligned when placed into the engine, but was correctly positioned upon the second attempt. I neglected to indicate that at its first removal.
Are there any oil lines next to the distributor, or only coolant lines, in the event that another source is responsible for the leak? I am replacing the valve cover gasket and half-moons, and have just changed the PCV, grommet, and breather line; I hope this will resolve the leak.