Hey everybody,

It is time to have the valve seals done in my little smoking friend but I have a couple questions for the forum crew.
I would think the smoking is from our usual suspect but someone mentioned to me it could be rings.
1)I know it could be but what are the chances of ring issues?

2)I will be having this done at a local shop any ideas of costs to have the seals done?

3)I live in Pinellas County area of Florida ( St. Pete, Clearwater area) Does anyone know a shop that they could refer me to, someone who may have a working knowledge of the Montero valve seals.

Other that the blue smoke at start- off the old girl runs well , gets 20.2 MPG in the city and everything works except the rear wiper... My 15 year old wants to start driving her this summer so it will still be in the family for a while

Thanks for all help and replies.

Jamie

I would think if it were rings you'd get plenty of smoke when the engine is loaded as opposed to idle/start-up.

I did my seals in Oct. Most noticable smoking problem was with the engine warm, coming to a stop, idling for a while, step on it...poof - big cloud of blue smoke.

New seals - half the oil consumption, and no smoke.

I was hoping you were planning to do the work yourself. I was looking forward to putting my experience to use.

Cost wise -- it's always a good idea to have the the timing belt and water pump replaced unless it's been done recently.

I would expect ~$1000 for valve seals, TB & WP.
Maybe less, depending on the shop.

I'm sure someone's had it quoted recently and can give you a better idea.

Jamie
If it warm down there I will come and do it for free. Your cost would be the new parts and 3-4 month of free rent and food. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> It's cold here in sunny California.
Just kidding,
Justin is right on about you problem.

Been there, done that....

I replaced the seals on my 95 LS over a yr ago. It takes time and patience, and I would expect a healthy bill if you take it to a shop. If you have the usual symptoms - smoke after idling, high oil comsumption but no other driveability issues, its more than likely to be bad seals rather than rings. Check though that the PCV system (valve, breather tube, including the one that links the rear valve covers) is OK. No draw and you can get similiar symptoms. Chances of a PCV issues are (unfortunately..) v. low.

If you choose to attempt the job yourself, there are a few older posts and at least 2 "veterans" of 95 3.0 seal changes on the list. One positive - the cams can stay in place in the SOHC 3.0. If you'd bought the DOHC 3.5, they'd have to come out.

Paul
'95 LS