Cost? Have a shop you recommend?

Dealership quoted a new engine. 3.0L V6

According to him it seems to emit blue smoke when accelerating away from stop lights, so I figured valve stem seals.

3/25/2010 11:25:48 PM

Just drop by any tire shop, they should replace the valve stems for a couple bucks or something.

3/25/2010 11:27:10 PM

Those sound like some fancy valve stems

3/26/2010 4:24:49 AM

Quote :

"According to him it seems to emit blue smoke when accelerating away from stop lights, so I figured valve stem seals."

... and you figured wrong. Blue smoke (oil) on acceleration is worn-the-fuck-out piston rings.

3/26/2010 4:46:29 AM

compression test it

3/26/2010 11:39:27 AM

^what he said

3/26/2010 11:48:06 AM

It's going to be losing compression whether it's the rings or the valves. Seems like a waste of time to do anything other than a leakdown test.

Sounds like rings to me too if it is blue though.

Better question might be how much oil is this thing losing? Sometimes you're better off just keeping it filled and saving up for a new car.

[Edited on March 26, 2010 at 11:54 AM. Reason : s]

3/26/2010 11:52:54 AM

+1 leakdown test

~$25 leakdown test kit @ harborfreight if you want to do it yourself. you'll need an air compressor. look to youtube for instructions.

3/26/2010 12:04:23 PM

Quote :

"It's going to be losing compression whether it's the rings or the valves"

valve seals affect compression?

3/26/2010 12:07:32 PM

Keyword MitsubiSHIT

They go thru valve stem seals quick!!!

To fix, u would have to remove both heads, do a valve job with all new seals, headgaskets, tbelt, water pump. Basically rebuild the whole top half of the engine.

I would do nothing and keep driving it. Not worth fixing.

3/26/2010 12:20:09 PM

Quote :

"valve seals affect compression?"

I meant that if there is loss of compression you aren't going to know if it's leaking out of the rings or the valves. Potential for multiple issues which may or may not be part of the smoke symptom.

3/26/2010 12:28:18 PM

what the fuck are you babbling?

3/26/2010 12:54:00 PM

is it a 6G72 motor?

3/26/2010 12:58:06 PM

Famous for valve seals. I've seen a blue million of them do it. In Monteros, Chrysler minivans, etc.

A compression test will tell you a LOT. You don't need to do a leakdown test to decently ascertain the condition of the rings...especially with a tablespoon or two of oil.

On that engine, to do the valve seals, you have to pull the cams and rocker arm assemblies and it's kind of a bitch to take the springs and keepers off with the engine in the truck.

3/26/2010 1:38:50 PM

valve collets flying falling down oil passages

[Edited on March 26, 2010 at 1:57 PM. Reason : galleys]

3/26/2010 1:57:32 PM

Quote :

" I've seen a blue million of them do it."

I want you to know i appreciate what you did here .

3/26/2010 2:24:54 PM