I got a Toyota Camry 1999 that died and threw a rod mysteriously. I am now preparing myself to take the engine out and replace it with the same OEM model.
I am a total amateur but I'm enthusiastic about turning this death into a learning experience. Is there any tips or bullet points on engine pulling that anyone has? How universal would this learning experience be for car models in general?
(So far I removed the radiator and unplugged and removed the air box, battery. It's not much but it's something)
You might want to check out the repair manual at charm.li for technical information. If you're going to install the same year and model engine at least the electronics should not be a problem.
You did not state whether you have automatic or manual transmission (or for that matter whether it's a 4 or 6 cylinder engine), but if you have a manual trans this would be an opportune time to replace the clutch. Also unless they have been changed recently you'll want to install new engine mounts.
This video series (11 parts) for removing the 4-cylinder engine should help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ELVjtgehk
(The videos show removing the engine and transmission together. I don't know if that is strictly necessary with a '99 Camry.)
