ENGINE REBUILD

[sebrussellsmith]

I have recently had a substantial oil leak which had been dripping onto the exhaust and causing a lot of smoke and smell in the cabin.
The car was serviced a couple of days ago and the lower cam cover replaced. This seems to have stopped the leak, however, I am told there are various other leaks (not bad) which is not unusual for a car of that mileage and age.
My questions are at what point should all the seals be replaced and would this involve stripping down the engine fully and rebuilding?
What experience does anyone have on this?
The car is 1994 with 135k miles on it and used as a daily driver.
Thanks all

 

[jboult]

I had the top end rebuilt on mine after about 125k miles. The engine was leaking oil from the rockers and seals and as I was having a lot of work done to the car anyway I decided to go the whole hog. The incremental cost at that point seemed almost incidental... It really wasn't, though. To be fair, the indy I used recommended doing the rockers and advised about the other leaks, but was rather surprised when I said go ahead and fix everything. I think most people just live with the (what are relatively) small leaks if they have them - we all check our oil levels regularly, right?! Many owners are running much higher mileage engines that have never been opened. Still, at least my garage floor stays drip free now. Doesn't entirely make up for the lighter wallet though and I'm not sure I'd do the same again! If I ever sell this car someone is getting a bargain, that's for sure, as none of this stuff really adds value. Cheers/John

 

[pse_SC]

If I ever sell this car someone is getting a bargain, that's for sure, as none of this stuff really adds value.

I’d say there’s always got be some value in the fact that it’s been done. People shy away from higher mileage cars, but with a recent ‘sorting’ of the engine, that might allay their (usually unfounded) trepidation on that subject, at least. To be sympathetically driven and serviced/cared for regularly are best for our cars[] (not sat in the garage for months on end).

 

[sebrussellsmith]

ORIGINAL: jboult I had the top end rebuilt on mine after about 125k miles. The engine was leaking oil from the rockers and seals and as I was having a lot of work done to the car anyway I decided to go the whole hog. The incremental cost at that point seemed almost incidental... It really wasn't, though. To be fair, the indy I used recommended doing the rockers and advised about the other leaks, but was rather surprised when I said go ahead and fix everything. I think most people just live with the (what are relatively) small leaks if they have them - we all check our oil levels regularly, right?! Many owners are running much higher mileage engines that have never been opened. Still, at least my garage floor stays drip free now. Doesn't entirely make up for the lighter wallet though and I'm not sure I'd do the same again! If I ever sell this car someone is getting a bargain, that's for sure, as none of this stuff really adds value. Cheers/John

Thanks John thats really helpful. Excuse my ignorance but when one refers to a top end rebuild what does that actually mean? Thanks

 

[Robert Teague]

Dear John, My car has a slight weep from the right hand side cam cover gasket. I would be interested to learn the costs you incurred for this to be replaced on your car? Did they drop the engine? Kind regards Robert

 

[colt]

Robert, all four cam covers and or gaskets can be replaces without removal of the engine or indeed much other ancillary items. each cam cover is a 3/4 to 1 1/2 hours job depending on if some of the bolts are rounded,corroded or very tight and the upper covers are less likely to leak even if the gaskets are old ,but take longer to do due to less room around the fixing bolts. Christian......................