Q: Engine valve leaking. 1998 Ford Crown Victoria.

asked by on August 30, 2016

Went to a shop to see if it was a transmission problem but transmission is fine. Said that the engine valve is leaking from the top and causing smoke and jerking. Wondering how long I have to fix it and if the parts and labor are cheap to fix. It's an old car and very reliable. Trying to keep it as long as possible till about February. What is the significant cost of this replacement?

My car has 150963 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Valve Cover Gasket Replacement $116.41 - $1190.97 Get a Quote
Oxygen Sensor Replacement $123.80 - $932.74 Get a Quote
Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. It sounds like you may have a valve cover leaking. If it leaks, the oil can get on the exhaust and cause smoking, and if it gets on the oxygen sensors, then the car will run like this. The valve cover gaskets will need to be replaced and the sensors either cleaned or replaced. The cost should not be terrible, but it is a good idea to get an estimate (you can get one on the site). If you want to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect the leak and follow through with any needed repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the maintenance required Warning Light mean?
The maintenance required Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. When this light illuminates, then the vehicle is due for schedule maintenance based on the miles that have been driven since the last maintenance. Tip Like all warning lights,...
My wife's car is jerking while switching gears, and got codes P0700 and P0765 from check engine light
Based on those fault codes, there is a faulty shift solenoid. The lack of acceleration is probably due to the transmission going into a failsafe mode. You may want to get a mechanic to look at the transmission to prevent...
Noise when I accelerate and turn right.
Hi there, It sounds like you have a failing constant velocity (CV) joint on one of the front axle shafts. When CV joints fail, they often make a loud clicking or grinding type noise, which could be interpreted as a...
Truck is running rough, loses power, backfiring noise - 1994 Nissan D21
Hey there. I would check fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) output and condition of fuel injectors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injector-replacement) (flow rate and solenoid resistance). After that, I would evaluate the ignition system, including distributor, plug wires, timing. If you would like to have this...
How to in bent the little corner of my car door?.
This is not something that is easily "bent" back into place without causing further damage. Depending on the specific location, the size of the dent and depth of the scratch, this may have to be repaired by an auto body...
Cooling Fan
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is most likely related to a faulty coolant fan switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-thermo-coolant-fan-switch). This is a relay switch that comes on when the temperature of the coolant system reaches a certain level. When this switch is...
Vehicle serviced and the dash still says needing serviced.
Question sent to CS for the concern of the service engine message coming back on after having the vehicle serviced and the cost to have the vehicle checked out.
Engine knock. Replace bearings when i replace oil pump?
Hi there. It is always best to stick with OEM sizing; unless you're going to completely rebuild the engine, have the crank turned and new pistons / rods installed. If you're simply installing a new oil pump, replace all bearings;...
Why the dash board pops up with yellow light with engine sign
Common causes of trouble code P0843 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0843-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-fluid-pressure-sensor-a-circuit-high-by-logan-utsman) include a faulty transmission fluid pressure control solenoid, faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor, dirty or contaminated transmission fluid and/or blocked filter, and internal/external transmission line blockages. A simple, harmless attempt at a repair...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Barometric Sensor
Common signs include poor engine performance, like sluggish acceleration, lack of power, and misfires, as well as the Check Engine Light turning on.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube)
Common signs include the AC system working worse than usual, frost coming from the vents, or the AC compressor constantly running.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Transmission Speed Sensor
Common signs include harsh or improper shifting, cruise control not working, and the Check Engine Light coming on.