engine
Oil Pump
for 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Expert
Time
6.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
17
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pump on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, requiring timing chain and front engine cover removal.
Warnings
⚠️Engine must be completely cool before starting. Hot coolant and oil can cause severe burns.
⚠️Improper timing chain alignment will cause catastrophic engine damage. Mark all timing positions before disassembly.
⚠Engine support is mandatory before removing motor mounts. Engine can shift and cause injury or damage.
⚠Timing cover bolts must be tightened in the specified sequence to prevent oil leaks and cover warpage.
ℹ️This repair requires precise timing chain alignment and RTV application. Allow adequate time for proper reassembly.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Engine support fixture or hoistEssential
Timing chain alignment toolsEssential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Oil drain pan (6 quart minimum)Essential
Harmonic balancer pullerEssential
RTV silicone remover/scraperEssential
Pry bar
Wire brush
Brake cleaner
Parts
- Oil pump assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil pump O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Timing chain tensioner seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Crankshaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Toyota Genuine RTV sealant × 1 — Toyota Part 08826-00080
Fluids
- Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil — 5 qt
- Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 2 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge
- Raise vehicle on jack stands at proper jacking points and secure safely
- Remove right front wheel and inner fender liner to access crankshaft pulley
- Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach hoist to engine lifting eyes
- Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
- Drain engine coolant from radiator and block drain plugs
- Take clear photos of all timing marks, belt routing, and connector positions for reference
Procedure
- 1Remove front engine accessories and crankshaft pulleyRemove drive belt by rotating tensioner counterclockwise. Remove alternator and A/C compressor with lines attached, securing them aside. Using harmonic balancer puller, remove crankshaft pulley bolt (requires impact wrench or breaker bar with crankshaft holding tool). Remove crankshaft pulley from crankshaft.
- 2Remove right-side motor mountSupport engine weight with support fixture or hoist. Remove right-side engine mount bolts starting with upper bracket mounting bolts, then through-bolt. Remove motor mount assembly completely. This provides access to timing cover.Torque specMounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 3Remove timing chain coverRemove all timing cover bolts noting different lengths and locations. There are multiple bolt sizes; 8mm bolts require specific sequence on reassembly. Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic pry points. Clean all RTV residue from cover and block mating surfaces using scraper and brake cleaner.⚠Do not damage aluminum timing cover surface. Scratches or gouges will cause oil leaks.Torque specCover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
- 4Mark and verify timing chain alignmentRotate crankshaft to TDC on cylinder #1 (crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock, camshaft timing marks aligned with head surface). Use paint marker or scribe to mark timing chain links to camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Photograph alignment for reference. Verify both intake and exhaust camshaft marks are properly aligned before proceeding.⚠️Incorrect timing marks will result in valve-to-piston contact and engine destruction. Verify multiple times before proceeding.
- 5Remove timing chain tensioner and guidesRemove timing chain tensioner by pushing in plunger and inserting retaining pin to lock it. Remove tensioner mounting bolts. Remove timing chain guide bolts and guides. Keep all hardware organized by location for proper reassembly.
- 6Remove timing chain and crankshaft sprocketSlide timing chain off camshaft sprockets while supporting chain. Remove chain completely from engine. Remove crankshaft timing sprocket by pulling straight off crankshaft. Inspect sprocket teeth for wear or damage.
- 7Remove oil panRemove all oil pan bolts in crisscross pattern working from outside to center. Carefully separate oil pan from block using RTV cutting tool or thin gasket scraper. Clean all RTV residue from oil pan and engine block mating surfaces thoroughly. Inspect oil pan for damage or warpage.⚠Oil pan is aluminum and easily damaged. Do not use excessive force or metal pry tools on pan flange.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 8Remove oil pump pickup tubeRemove oil pump pickup tube mounting bolts securing strainer to pump body and support bracket. Remove pickup tube and strainer assembly. Inspect strainer screen for debris or damage. Clean strainer thoroughly if reusing.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 9Remove oil pump assemblyRemove all oil pump mounting bolts from front of engine block. There are typically 8-10 bolts of varying lengths. Note bolt positions for reinstallation. Carefully pry oil pump assembly away from block using plastic pry points. Remove oil pump O-ring from block groove.ℹ️Oil pump drives directly from crankshaft. Ensure crankshaft drive flats are clean and undamaged.Torque specOil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 10Inspect and prepare new oil pumpClean crankshaft oil pump drive surface thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect crankshaft drive flats for wear or damage. Install new O-ring on oil pump body, lubricating with clean engine oil. Verify new pump rotates freely by hand. Pack oil pump with petroleum jelly to prime before installation.ℹ️Priming oil pump with petroleum jelly ensures immediate oil pressure on startup and prevents dry running.
- 11Install new oil pumpAlign oil pump with crankshaft drive flats and carefully slide pump onto crankshaft. Ensure O-ring seats properly in block groove. Install all oil pump mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque in crisscross pattern to specification. Verify pump rotates with crankshaft when turned by hand.Torque specOil Pump Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 12Install oil pump pickup tubeInstall new pickup tube O-ring if equipped. Position oil pump pickup tube and strainer onto oil pump body and support bracket. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify pickup tube is properly seated and clearance to oil pan is adequate.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 13Install oil pan with new gasketClean all mating surfaces completely. Apply thin continuous bead of Toyota RTV sealant to oil pan flange (3mm bead). Install oil pan within 15 minutes of RTV application. Install all oil pan bolts finger-tight, then torque in crisscross pattern from center outward to specification. Allow RTV to cure for 2 hours before filling with oil.⚠Excessive RTV can break off and clog oil pickup screen. Use only specified amount in continuous bead.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 14Reinstall timing chain and componentsInstall crankshaft timing sprocket onto crankshaft with timing mark facing out. Position timing chain onto crankshaft sprocket first, then wrap around camshaft sprockets while aligning all timing marks precisely with marks made during disassembly. Install chain guides and secure with bolts. Install timing chain tensioner with plunger locked, then remove retaining pin to apply tension. Rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions and verify all timing marks realign perfectly at TDC.⚠️Verify timing alignment by rotating engine two full revolutions by hand. All marks must realign or valve damage will occur.
- 15Install timing cover with new gasket and sealInstall new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using seal driver. Apply thin bead of Toyota RTV sealant to timing cover mating surface where specified (typically at block-to-head junction points). Position new timing cover gasket and install cover onto block. Install all timing cover bolts finger-tight, ensuring proper bolt lengths in correct locations. Torque 8mm bolts in specified sequence, then torque remaining cover bolts to specification.⚠Timing cover bolt sequence is critical to prevent warpage and oil leaks. Follow factory sequence precisely.Torque specCover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
- 16Reinstall motor mount and accessoriesInstall right-side motor mount assembly and torque mounting bolts to specification. Remove engine support fixture. Install crankshaft pulley onto crankshaft, torque pulley bolt to specification (typically 133 Nm but verify). Install A/C compressor and alternator with mounting bolts torqued to specification. Install drive belt and verify proper routing.Torque specMounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
- 17Complete final assembly and fill fluidsInstall new oil drain plug crush washer and torque drain plug to specification. Install new oil filter and pre-fill with fresh oil. Fill engine with 5.0 quarts Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil. Refill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Reinstall inner fender liner and wheel. Lower vehicle and install engine cover. Reconnect battery negative cable.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all timing marks are precisely aligned before starting engine
- Allow RTV sealant to cure for minimum 2 hours before starting engine
- Double-check all bolt torques, especially timing cover bolts and oil pan bolts
- Verify oil drain plug has new crush washer installed
- Confirm oil filter is properly tightened and no old gasket remains on block
Verification
- Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds
- Listen for any abnormal timing chain noise or rattling during initial startup
- Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil leaks from pan, pump, or timing cover
- Check for coolant leaks around timing cover area
- Monitor oil pressure gauge (if equipped) to verify normal pressure readings (20-80 psi depending on RPM)
- After 20 minutes of running, shut off engine, wait 5 minutes, and recheck oil level; top off if needed
- Test drive vehicle and verify normal operation with no warning lights
- After first 100 miles, recheck oil level and inspect underneath for any leaks