Any write ups on valve seal replacement? GEN5 4Cyl - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

robsatx · 03-31-2008, 09:48 PM

I want to see what toyota is charging an arm an leg for. I have the typical smoke at startup issue in my 02 Camry.
thx,
r

njerald · 03-31-2008, 09:57 PM

Learn to Search.

It was posted here in the last couple months.

**PRINCESS PEACH** · 03-31-2008, 10:09 PM

I did the search for you.

Is my 2.4L on it's last leg??

02 camry le 4cyl smoke at startup.

Smokin' 03

2002 Camry smokes on crankup

robsatx · 03-31-2008, 11:19 PM

I guess my ? was not clear? Does anyone have a write up. LIke a how to. I searched and a few said they had done it but not any details on the actual procedures.

**PRINCESS PEACH** · 03-31-2008, 11:24 PM

fixing a valve seal? r u a technician? you better know what you're doing then lol.

***CharmCityES*** · 03-31-2008, 11:34 PM

replacing valve seals? you better know what youre doing
and this isnt a common issue...it occurs in camrys that havent been maintained well....ive never seen a smoking gen 5 that has had regular oil changes and maintenence done
i have 58k and my car doesnt smoke at all...you say its a common issue...then how come my car doesnt smoke?
oh yeah! i do all my maintenence at correct intervals with correct parts/fluids....

robsatx · 04-01-2008, 09:42 AM

First off this is a common issues on a number of Toyotas over 80K, there are a number of reports here on the board (thanks for the backup peach – your “search above has a few examples)and the dealers I have called said they see it quite often. However, the big issue is there seems to be NO “procedure” on the books for just the valve seal replacements. They all want to do a valve job at the same time. I have called four different dealers to get info and I get four different stories. I have had quotes from $600 - $1,800 for just the valve seals.

Second, mechanicing (my own word) is not very difficult. I put myself through college in an auto garage. Went from tires to full mechanic in less than six months. I even passed a number of the tests without any “training”. I did EVERYTHING except rebuild automatic transmissions. I even built a sleeper Chevy Monza for drag racing. Modified axle and all.

I want to see notes from someone that has done the actual procedure. From what I have read the four cylinder does not present the challenges of the V6. The biggest issue I see with the V6 and lack of “space” to work.

I am now in Radiology and do not plan to work on the car myself. Financially does not make sense for me to do myself as I would lose money working on the car myself. My whole issue is wanting to know what is involved. I used to love working on cars, it was therapeutic and helped me to relax. A little manual labor and getting your hands dirty is kind of cool every know and then . .

DressUpYourPet · 04-01-2008, 04:19 PM

maybe they are trying to tell you they are not willing to patch it like that. Try a dealership, they probably do this alot more often than a regular no-name shop, i'm guessing you will find the cost is very close to what they want to charge for a valve job.
The labor is practically the same and maybe even more than a valve job because the camshafts have to come out to get at the valve seals. sounds like you are caught in a bind, $600 for labor is your low end estimate but unfortunately it is about what it would cost you for this job. if this is too dear then do it yourself or swap the head for a remanufactured one yourself and it might save you a little money.