Q: Is it expensive to replace the valve seals?

asked by on February 03, 2017

It's a burning smell when startng car and I was told it was the valve seals.

My car has 186000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Smoke from engine or exhaust Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The usual symptom for bad valve stem seals is bluish white smoke out of the exhaust pipe when the engine is started cold. The smoke usually clears after a minute and doesn’t return again until the car is shut off for a while and then restarted. This is because the tired stem seals are allowing oil in the cylinder head to run down the valve stems into the intake and exhaust ports while the engine is stationary. When you re-start the engine the oil burns off quickly. Changing the seals is a pretty big deal. The parts themselves are not very expensive, but the job is complicated and takes a long time so the labor costs get pretty high. If you’re not sure that it’s valve stem seals that you need, or if you want to have the job done, you can contact Your Mechanic to have a technician come out to your home or office to check out your Toyota and let you know what it’s going to take to fix it.

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

Electrical problems?
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Jeep Patriot. The low voltage condition from the alternator not charging will cause the Totally Integrated Control Module (TIPM) to not work correctly. You should have the battery charged up completely and then...
to replace a #4 cylinder exhaust valve lifter, do you have to do anything with the head gasket?
Hello. If you're replacing the lifter with the cylinder heads attached to the block, you shouldn't have to remove the cylinder heads or do anything to the cylinder head gasket. However, if the reason you're replacing the lifter is due...
No crank and no start
Hi and thanks for your question. Remove a spark plug wire from one of the spark plugs, and put a screwdriver in the wire and put it to ground. Now, try starting the vehicle. If there is no spark, then...
Issues going into reverse 2002 Ford Escape
Hi there - most likely your problem is internal to the transmission (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/shifting-issues-from-drive-to-reverse-and-back-to-drive) itself. Check the fluid level of the transmission first - low fluid level can cause the problem you describe. If fluid level is adequate, the problem is...
I get code 00768-P0300 random multiple cylinder mosfire and 00770 P0302 cylinder 2 misfire when speed up check engine comes on.Whe
Hi there. The P0302 trouble code is an indication that cylinder 2 is misfiring and is not getting the necessary spark to its spark plug. You might want to read this article (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0302-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-2-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker) as it will indicate the common causes...
2010 Mazda 3 start issues
There are many causes of hard starting but illustrative ones are a faulty engine coolant temperature switch (sensor), malfunctioning idle air control (IAC) valve, vacuum and EGR leaks, inadequate fuel delivery or pressure (clogged fuel filter, injectors), and contaminated or...
My car will start up and run fine until reaches normal temperature and be hearing clicking from kick pannel and car shuts off
The relay that is clicking is the main computer PCM/Fuel pump relay. The relay may be bad or may be getting overheated from a fuel pump drawing too many amps. I suggest you replace the relay first and then see...
High speed acceleration issue
Yes, you do have an old truck, but that doesn't mean it can't run well. If you noticed this problem about the time you replaced the catalyst, it could be that the replacement catalyst is not large enough to breathe...
Could a bad fuel injector be making my 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix smell like gas?
It's possible that a leaking injector or injector o-ring could be making your Pontiac smell like gas. These items could also cause driveability issues, such as the ones you describe.There are other potential causes as well though, such as a...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Doctor Who Makes House Calls
If If you are a doctor who makes house calls, reliability is likely to be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to choosing a used car. You also expect a certain level of comfort. We have evaluated...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Teacher
If If you are a teacher, probably foremost on your mind is getting to school on time. You would also probably like a used car that is easy on gas and not terribly expensive, and will hold your gym gear...
How Long Does an Air Diverter Valve Last?
The The air diverter valve is a part of your air injection system. In practically every modern vehicle, you will find a type of air pump that serves to deliver air to the exhaust stream so that it can be...