Hello, I just bought a 98 Toyota Avalon with 70k. It leaks oil out both valve covers, and apparently the camshaft and/or crank seals. It sometimes emits blue smoke on startup, even after sitting only a few hours, but usually no smoke, even after being parked overnight. (It is parked on a downslope overnight.)
I pulled the front valve cover to check for sludge and it looks pretty bad to me. (See pics below) I plan to use Kreen with my oil.
I plan on replacing the valve cover gaskets, timing belt kit with water pump, crank and valve seals. I did replace the PCV valve with a Puralator from Advance.
I would appreciate suggestions on the following:
1) Should I clean the sludge manually when replacing the gaskets and camshaft seals? If so, what is the recommended procedure (without removing the heads)? Is it necessary to clean out the oil pan?
2)Should I replace the valve stem seals (because of the blue smoke on startup)? Or will cleaning the sludge take care of the blue smoke? If so, is the "Valvemaster" tool from Toyotool a good one to use, or is there a better one? Valvemaster video
3)Should I wait to drive the car until after this work is done?
4) Any other suggestions or factors to consider? Thanks in advance.
I pulled the front valve cover to check for sludge and it looks pretty bad to me. (See pics below) I plan to use Kreen with my oil.
I plan on replacing the valve cover gaskets, timing belt kit with water pump, crank and valve seals. I did replace the PCV valve with a Puralator from Advance.
I would appreciate suggestions on the following:
1) Should I clean the sludge manually when replacing the gaskets and camshaft seals? If so, what is the recommended procedure (without removing the heads)? Is it necessary to clean out the oil pan?
2)Should I replace the valve stem seals (because of the blue smoke on startup)? Or will cleaning the sludge take care of the blue smoke? If so, is the "Valvemaster" tool from Toyotool a good one to use, or is there a better one? Valvemaster video
3)Should I wait to drive the car until after this work is done?
4) Any other suggestions or factors to consider? Thanks in advance.