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IgnorantVanman
New User
Apr 15, 2011, 1:04 PM
Post #1 of 9
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Hi! I'm here, because I have no friggin' clue what I'm doing. I have a 1988 Plymouth Grand Voyager van that has been leaking oil. It's been evaluated by a mechanic whose says I need to replace ALL of the engine gaskets. Now, I got a damn Hayne's Guide, but I don't really understand anything. You see, I am COMPLETELY 100% ignorant when it comes to anything cars. You might ask :well why didn't the mechanic just fix it for you?" Good question. The answer is: he said it was too much work and he would end up charging way too much than it is worth. Well, heh heh, I guess that means I have to replace the damn things. Unfortunately, the Hayne's Guide doesn't exactly have a chapter on how to remove and replace engine gaskets. Could some PLEASE help me here? I need to know exactly, step-by-step, what to do. Don't worry about tools; you name them, I've got them. A helpful website would also be appreciated if you don't feel like helping me verbally. Thanks!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 15, 2011, 1:19 PM
Post #2 of 9
(1597 views)
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Re: Engine gaskets
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You really don't want to attempt this. The reason he is blowing you off is because when these things start leaking out of every orifice, you can be chasing these leaks forever and he doesn't want to be responsible. The way it has to be approaches is you have to locate and repair the highest leak first. The other reason he chased you away is that you can be repairing leaks forever and the labor can far exceed the value of another engine. This job certainly isn't for you. You might want to let a different mechanic look at it and see if maybe there are one or two leaks that can be resolved to stop the bulk of leaks.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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IgnorantVanman
New User
Apr 16, 2011, 8:45 AM
Post #3 of 9
(1545 views)
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Re: Engine gaskets
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Thanks for the advice. Someone else told me I should put some oil in there, run it, and see exactly where it is leaking. Apparently the mechanic may be a dumbass! The only problem is, I HAVE to repair this van, and another one just like it, because my uncle is undeterred. We currently have a gas-guzzling truck and a jeep that's falling apart right now, and he doesn't want to just throw away the vans or get a new one, so I'm stuck. We need the extra ride, you see. However, if it's really not worth it, i'll see if I can convince him to just replace the whole engine. Thanks again!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 16, 2011, 9:06 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: Engine gaskets
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Just comments on this: ALL GASKETS! I doubt that. One good one up high can oil up the whole engine and drip from items that aren't leaking from there.
If engine is blowing by more from combustion chamber (pistons) from wear OR PCV system is not keeping up with blow-by leaks will just be aggravated by things that seal engine oil.
Trick - borrow a cigarette or smoking stick (incense) and just pull up on dipstick holding smoke near open tube. Smoke should go down the tube not pushed away areas subject to misting oil throughout engine are aggravated as said. It's not a full diagnosis but indicates a problem,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 16, 2011, 9:07 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: Engine gaskets
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If he wants to be stubborn, he will be kicking himself in the end. When oil leaks it spreads everywhere and it's not so easy to find the origin. Some leaks can require major dis-assembly and you get it all back together to find out you have 3 more leaks. Have fun.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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techforfree
User
Apr 18, 2011, 9:23 AM
Post #6 of 9
(1512 views)
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Re: Engine gaskets
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I might tend to agree with the dumbass theory..pretty unlikely all the gaskets would need replaced..You didn't state what engine was in the van but most that yr had the 3.0 ltr. in em and a very common problen for oil leaking was the rear cam plugs that were made of rubber and liked to crack with age,not a serious problem,another problem was valve cover gaskets,and oil pressure sending unit on the front of the engine..tell us what engine and what side of the engine might help in narrowing down the problem...Good luck
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 18, 2011, 11:01 AM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: Engine gaskets
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Everyone: This is likely ONE leak making a mess NOT all gaskets?!!? Been at this crap for near 50 years and short of a wild (exact age withheld) overheat or engine fire never heard of needing all gaskets!
NO!
Enough,
T
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IgnorantVanman
New User
Apr 19, 2011, 4:42 AM
Post #8 of 9
(1498 views)
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Re: Engine gaskets
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Sorry I forgot about the engine! *facepalm* It is a 3.0L V6. It supposedly "leaks every direction," but I think it's leaking more in the front.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 19, 2011, 5:10 AM
Post #9 of 9
(1496 views)
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Re: Engine gaskets
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Smile - I may be older than dirt but don't think I've totally lost it yet
General with leaks in automotives. Highest and most forward. Somewhere gravity and fan(s) puts a mess everywhere. Takes baby powder or clean area a watch to find them. As said, usually just one but I'm not there. Can you see me in a store buying baby powder? Laugh - I'm really just a normal old Phart and childless for reasons. Smile and the whole world can simile with you.
Tom
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