Valve Seals question

[Gxman60]

Hey, i have too options to fix my 2000 toyota solara v6 which need new valve seals

1. Send the solara to my mechanic which he said he could replace it for 1,800$ (which i don't have)
or
2. Replace it myself, but idk much about mechanical things with my solara and don't want to screw up the engine....but if it is easy or done by anybody else i just want to know if it is possible for me to do it cause i would do anything to fix my solara with its 175,000 miles on the odomator.

i've been driving it for a year since i bought it with the problem and have just been adding oil but i really just want to fix it and fix it so i can enjoy it again. --Thanks
[/quote]

[yaddadaimsayin]

Hey, i have tWo options to fix my 2000 toyota solara v6 which need new valve seals

1. Send the solara to my mechanic which he said he could replace it for 1,800$ (which i don't have)

Well GX, don't wanna be a jerk but #1 isn't really an option then, is it?


if you've been driving for so long on that problem, your solutions are
1) save up 1800 to throw it all into new valve seals
2) read read pm members read search and learn how to fix it yourself (or find a buddy mechanic)

good luck with your car.

[steffknee]

I you are not mechanically inclined, taking on a job like replacing the valve seals in a V6 is not the easiest way to start. Even knowing what you are doing you run the risk of dropping a valve into the cylinder and having to take the head off to get it.

Personally, I think with 175k on the motor its easier and a much better idea to pull the motor and rebuild it. As soon as you throw that $1800 or hours of hard work into it, it's going to need something else.

Especially if its burning a good amount of oil, it's probably a combination of the valve seals and worn rings as well. The valve seals will usually soften up as the motor heats up and seal ok, so whatever else it's burning while you are driving is getting past something else.

[solara90]

im in the same boat as you right now. they wanted 1,100 for mine but i am a 4cyl, i dont have any money right now to rebuild or pay a mechanic.

overall its a fairly simple job (well simpler in my case) if you have some experience with motors, ... i think the hardest part is making sure you set the timing correctly

hopefully i'm going to do a full rebuild next summer... along with some boost (i have the knowledge im going to college to be a tech. just short on the money)


Have you tried any oil additives? i tried something called white Shepard it seemed to work for about 2 weeks and now its back to normal or even a bit worse.

[JavaJoe_2]

Where are you located?
Hopefully, a SG member near you can either point you to a qualified mechanic (more reasonable) or there are a couple of VERY qualified mechanics on the boards.
You have to have something to build off of Before you can mod.

On my '90 4Runner (my daily driver), I bought a set of heads off eBay (spent too much) but was able to get them on in a weekend (or two).
But, anyway, I do consider this job for the above average mechanic. I was very intimidated, but persevered and am very happy with my accomplishment. I was able to do some mods with the savings.
Good luck and the SEARCH button is your friend.