howdy people!

well, i have one huge oil leak on my 2nd gen. is there a common problem on these things?

there is a slight leak out the PCV. this has already happend twice.
atm, im putting about 5 litres in every 4 months.

and also, its blowing a heap of smoke once it has idled for a while. is this the valve stem seals??

does anyone know where i can get it fixed cheaply around the northern suburbs of melb?
one mob qouted me $500 approx, which included valve stem seals, timing seals and or cam seals (i dont know if they are the same thing), timing belt and a few other bits. may have included a service aswell, but i cant remember, it was a few months ago wen i got the qoute...
is that a rip off??

the smoke after long idling is due to the valve stem seals, the cam seal and tappet cover are the most common oil leaks on the 2.6 astron, as a mechanic, i've done heaps of them the valve stem seals are cheap but some mechanics may remove the head to change them (i don't) they can be replaced without removing the head but u need special tools, this way is definately the cheapest way and the way i would do the job, unfortunately i'm a little too far away (QLD) to help you so good luck, i suppose if they are replacing cam seal, tappet cover gasket and valve stem seals $500 isn't all that dear and if it's done right it should sort out your oil consumpsion probs :)

guess i shoulda read your stats first.... u got a v6... oh well same goes for the v6 as far as the valve stem seals thing is concerned... $500 definately ok v6 harder to work on and it got more valves to put seals on :redface:

sweet dude thanks heaps.

yeah its a v6. im gonna try go today and book it in, and ill make sure i know what he is gonna do and let u know.

btw, is there any chance of the valves being stuffed? if there is, can i tell from not pulling the top end apart? just by sound or something?

and if they are (knock on wood they arent) how much to get them done??

valves probably aren't stuffed, if they were, the thing would probably be missing, or back firing, usually the valves r ok if it's running ok :D glad to help.

$500 is about the cheapest you'll get it done. I've seen your car blow the smoke and it is most definately the seals, my car hasn't blown a single puff of smoke and my oil reserve hasn't moved since i got them done 2 months ago.
I'd say the oil leak will be caused by either a gasket/seal or piping depending on where it's leaking from. If a mechanic has told you that's included in the $500, i say go for it :).