2002 Pathy valve seal replacement

[saskapath]

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who as replaced valve seals on a 3.5l Mine is burning A LOT of oil, probably a quart every 300 miles and I'm getting a puff of smoke every time I take off from a stop, and I think sometimes when I shift gears. I'm highly suspicious that valve seals are at the root of this problem.

Has anyone changed them leaving the heads on the vehicle? I've heard of using compressed air to hold the valves up while you change the seals but don't know how much of a pain this would be.

I've got a fair bit of cash and much wrench time in on this vehicle and other than the oil consumption it's in pretty good shape for it's age. No frame rust and I've redone most of the suspension and brought the AC back to life.

Thanks

[MisterH]

How many miles on the engine?

[saskapath]

It's got 155,000 miles on it. Did a bit of looking and it looks like a chore to do, 4 cams to remove and 3 chains

[MisterH]

For the amount of work involved and the miles on the engine it would make more sense to install a set of remanufactured heads, especially f your compression is still in the optimal range all the way around. You could probably get them for less than $1,000. Alternatively you could get a complete low mileage engine for less than $1,500.

[saskapath]

Hmm, I think I need to do some further investigation before I dive into anything. In the mean time I'll continue to travel with jugs of oil in the back.

Such a pain that $10 worth of parts involves so much labour....

[01pathfinder7]

I only had a little white smoke during first start up, not every stop and go, or shifting. However, I was using a ton of oil, about the same as you but always random/different amounts.

I changed my PCV (was completely clogged and had no rattle left) and cleaned all the lines and changed a few vacuum lines that were tired, and have not used a drop since.

[saskapath]

Well, that's an encouraging bit of information. I'll make sure to replace the PCV valve before I make any decisions regarding rebuilt heads or a engine swap.

Thanks

[brando73]

Have you considered an oil catch can? I did the power valve screws, valve covers and gaskets, pcv, cleaned intake and replaced gaskets and replaced spark plugs. It is amazing how different the car runs. The pcv valve in these cars are a pain to get to and you might as well do some modifications/maintenance if you're going to replace it. My Pathy has 134K on it and runs like a champ. Probably gonna be selling it in February because the wife is going back to Germany to finish her Masters degree. Hate to part with it but don't have a need for two vehicles. This forum is a wealth of knowledge.

[01pathfinder7]

Week two no oil burnt since pcv change. In fact it never burned but would dump into the exhaust valves. When I pulled my plugs they were in great shape no sign of oil. Intake plenumn were both absolutely covered in cooker oil. Just want to share this again because after a year of adding oil my only problem now is trusting I don't have to check it before every start up