Engine valve stem seal job quote

[02Protege'5]

I got 76K miles

2002 Protege' 5
Normal Automatic (not triptronic)

Always been fully synthetic mobile one, purlator filters, air and oil. Just got the oil changed and air filter replaced, I supplied the filter, the mechanic the oil. total bill $36.

From the same place i got the above work done i got a quote
to get my valve stem seals replaced, to fix my smoking a startup problem and a new timing belt. As well as a compression test, (no noticeable loss of power at this point) and new brakes. I'm on my second set of Bendix from my lifetime set deal from Advance(d), so I'm supplying those.

7 hrs total labor time @ $40hr.

breakout as follows

1hr brakes,

3hrs timing belt

3hrs valve stem seals

$280 in labor.

$100 parts
breakout

timing belt is $48.

valve stem seals were.....Cant remember.

I have a signed quote, this price ($380) seems VERY good.

My brakes need replaced ASAP, so thats getting done next week.
After that I need new spark plug wires, the last time I replaced my plugs I pulled one of the boots apart getting it up out of my valve cover, i got it back together, and I would be getting a check engine light if it wasn't getting a good connection, I'm the only one who drives my car so id notice a misfire or stutter. BUt they DO need replaced

Its also due for a auto tranny fluid flush and filter replace.
Should I get the coolant flushed and replaced while I'm doing all this?

Thanks everyone

-Tony

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Seems like a good price for all that. Don't forget to do water pump & tensioner spring for timing belt. Since it's always good to do wp when changing timing belt, it would be perfect time to do coolant flush. You'd lose some doing wp anyway. IIRC, wp = 60.00 or so & that tensioner spring = 3.00 or so. AMSOIL synthetic atf will get twice the miles opposed to normal atf & a little extra cooling properties. That = about 100.00 for 2 gallons. Hell, while you're going wild, getcha the Hayden Transaver atf fluid cooler. It's about 50.00 & one of the best 3 realistic things you could do for your tranny. Other 2 being the fluid itself & Lentech valve body upgrade if you wanna really go nuts. That = 400.00.

 

[Nomad]

in order to do the valve seals they have to pull the head. If they pull the head they'll undo all the timing belt stuff so why not just buy a new belt and tensioner and be done with it? Also, they'll have to take off the WP and will most likely drain the coolant anyhow. So get a new Water pump and thermostat, they'll already have new coolant going in. Since everything is apart and up on the rack just buy a set of belts too.

The labor is always the kicker. Since everything is already coming apart then just spend a little for new parts when they put it back together. The cost difference will be minimal unless they try to gouge you.

sounds like $500 will get you a nicely freshened engine and if anything happens later you can take it back to have them double check their work.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Tony,
How bad are you smoking? I'm trying to determine if I have bad valve stem seals or rings...I smoke bad on startup but after about 30 seconds it clears. Also, I was under the impression that the seals could be done without pulling the head...

 

[Nomad]

if it's white smoke only at startup then it could be coolant leaking into the combustion chambers from a warped headgasket. In the morning you start it up and the water is steamed out. Check your coolant level and see if it's dirty with oil or if the oil is low or dirty with coolant.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

Pretty sure it's not coolant...the smoke is blue, my coolant is dirty but has not fallen in level since I purchased the car, and my oil is definitely being consumed...(yupnope)

 

[StealthWyvern]

in order to do the valve seals they have to pull the head. If they pull the head they'll undo all the timing belt stuff so why not just buy a new belt and tensioner and be done with it? Also, they'll have to take off the WP and will most likely drain the coolant anyhow. So get a new Water pump and thermostat, they'll already have new coolant going in. Since everything is apart and up on the rack just buy a set of belts too.

The labor is always the kicker. Since everything is already coming apart then just spend a little for new parts when they put it back together. The cost difference will be minimal unless they try to gouge you.

sounds like $500 will get you a nicely freshened engine and if anything happens later you can take it back to have them double check their work.

not 100% true but generally speaking... you can change the seals without having to remove the head however to do valves guides or valves them selfs the head will need to be yanked.


Just an example.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/M103ValveSeals

 

[bucksatan]

That is a really good price, almost seems too low a labour rate. But if you trust their work then go for it. And yes, if you are doing all that work you might as well do the coolant too.

 

[Nomad]

Then yeah, blue is oil.
Bad ring seal until the car warms up a bit and metals expand some? Still leaks when warm but not so much you see it. That's my guess.

Pretty sure it's not coolant...the smoke is blue, my coolant is dirty but has not fallen in level since I purchased the car, and my oil is definitely being consumed...(yupnope)