Engine Gasket Problem

[dipesh]

I want a help for my Toyota Camry V6 engine coupe. I talked to one of the mechanic yesterday about the leakage of engine in my car. I have to check the engine oil once every week just to make certain that the oil line doesn't reach to LOW.

O well, I was talking to a local mechanic yesterday and I told him about my oil leakage problem. He told me that I need to change the engine gasket. Also, he told me that I have to change 2 engine gasket. The cost to change that would be $200 each so total would be like 400.

I just want help on understanding the alternative way I can apply to avoid the leakage. Also, I think the cost for fixing it is a whole lot for me. Any other alternative?

I would be glad to get answer to it.
Thanks.

[JohnGD]

Are these two the valve cover gaskets the mechanic was talking about? Is the oil leaking from the top most covers on each bank? If so the spark plug tube seals should be replaced at the same time, the set is about $21+shipping:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=128852

The front is fairly easy, but the rear bank requires the removal of the intake manifold, so that will add a couple more hours.

Also, RTV (such as Permatex Ultra Black or Ultra Copper, ~$8) should be used at the semi circular plug joints. It's also best to clean and reseal the semi circular plugs.

New valve cover bolts are also needed. The wavy crush washer loose their clamping force and is one of the reasons the gaskets leak. Or add one or two (depending on thickness) metal washers to the bolts and torque them down properly.

Maybe a mechanically inclined friend can help out?

[dipesh]

John GD: Actually the mechanic only told that I had to change the gasket. that is all he told me about it. I have no mechanical knowledge(just new to car bought car 1 year ago)! So, sorry I have no idea from where the oil is leaking but i can upload the picture tomorrow!

[JohnGD]

Pictures of the locations of the leaks will help. Do you see oil on the ground? If so what's the approximate location relative to the engine?

If it's the valve cover gaskets then the leak is more likely on the rear bank by the firewall. The engine is tilted to the back and it's more likely to leak from the rear bank's gasket.

However, if the leak is from the plastic timing cover on the passenger side, then it may be cam or crank seals.

[WaxonWaxStillOn]

Take numerous pics, perhaps different angles.

You might want to talk to another trustworthy mechanic too. Ask the mechanic to be specific, exactly which gaskets need replacing...there are many. Any mechanic should give you more information than just "two gaskets." If they don't, talk to a mechanic who will be more helpful. Write down the answer.

[twodoorcamry]

Once you know the name and location of the part, you'll be able to call around to different mechanics and get exact quotes for parts and labor.

Call twenty or so different guys. You'll get extermely different answers.

If you want to go further, you can ask if you can supply your own parts (if you feel up to searching the internet for cheap parts).

Call around alot and you'll get lucky sooner or later. You might save half of what you expected.

[dipesh]

OK guys these are the pictures of the engine that I took! If you want some more pictures just let me know.
Thanks

[dipesh]

https://picasaweb.google.com/deepesh...eat=directlink

or the link is here
https://picasaweb.google.com/deepesh...eat=directlink

Thank you

[dipesh]

https://picasaweb.google.com/deepesh...eat=directlink

I am sure this link works
sorry for the previous link that didnt work.appologies

[JohnGD]

From the few in the valve cover gasket areas I think it's just a valve cover gasket issue (if you don't see leaks elsewhere). If you use a flashlight and mirror to look at the rear side of the engine you may see a lot of oil and grime running down.

So it's the $20 Fel-Pro kit plus a tube of Permatex RTV (room temperature vulcanizing rubber). $400 is too high. Get another opinion. Or two, or three, or four.

See also:
Solving The Valve Cover Gaskets - Permanently

And see message #5 in the thread:
OEM VS Felpro Valve cover gasket

[mail2_jb]

I had the exact leak and like JohnGD said, I bought a felpro kit (gasket + spark plug seals) + permatex sealant for around $29. Rented a torque wrench and a socket from autozone and fixed it (there is a diy here, if you want to do it yourself). Like many said, this should not cost $400, not even $100 by a mechanic.

[Savio]

Originally Posted by mail2_jb

I had the exact leak and like JohnGD said, I bought a felpro kit (gasket + spark plug seals) + permatex sealant for around $29. Rented a torque wrench and a socket from autozone and fixed it (there is a diy here, if you want to do it yourself). Like many said, this should not cost $400, not even $100 by a mechanic.

Agree with this. I did a lot of reading on this board before I did the Valve cover gasket on my 98 5s-fe and with the help of this forum, I was able to do the Valve Cover gasket, PCV, spark plugs and wires all under what a mechanic charged me 300-400 for. It also covered tools for doing routine maintenance on the car as well.