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1997 Toyota Camry head gasket/smoke
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sarcha
New User
Jul 16, 2010, 1:57 PM
Post #1 of 4
(5062 views)
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1997 Toyota Camry head gasket/smoke
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I have a 1997 Toyota Camry with 144,000 miles. After driving 50 miles (and stopping to pay a toll and then accelerating to get back on the highway), my exhaust started billowing out bluish white smoke. Although it would still run, I had to tow the car to a mechanics due to the amount of smoke. The mechanic said that the valve seals were busted and it is burning a lot of oil. So, it needs a valve job (about $1000-1500). They also said the oil looked exceptionally clean, but was extremely overfilled. Also, the antifreeze levels look good. Talking to other mechanics (just over the phone), several seem to think it is probably a cracked head gasket and not valve seals. One said that it is even possible (if unlikely) that it is simply the excess oil burning and if I drained enough it would be fine. Over the last month, I have put nearly $600 into the car for brake work, a new flex pipe etc. If it is a blown head gasket or valve seals, I will just sell it for the value of the car minus repair costs. My question is: is it worth spending another $100 to get a second opinion on the chance it is just excess oil, or should I trust it is valve seals or head gasket and just sell.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 16, 2010, 5:09 PM
Post #2 of 4
(5058 views)
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Re: 1997 Toyota Camry head gasket/smoke
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sarcha; If the coolant level is okay, the engine not overheating, and the cooling system tested negative for exhaust gasses, I'd have the oil and filter changed with the correct amount of oil installed, and give it another try. It is possible that a valve guide seal, all of a sudden, took a dump, but very rare. Also, have them check the transmission fluid. Transmission fluid burns white. (If it's an automatic?) Are we sure that the oil being "extremely overfilled" is OIL? Under extreme conditions, fuel can contaminate the oil and, again, burn a whitish, bluish, color. A second opinion, and a gas analyzer, should answer the questions.
Loren
SW Washington
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 18, 2010, 10:35 AM
Post #3 of 4
(5044 views)
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Re: 1997 Toyota Camry head gasket/smoke
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Just curious sarsha: How do you think or what circumstance might have led to oil being way too full?
If you know oil was added to do that it still isn't good but might - just a maybe ok if level is corrected and possible damage to O2 sensors or coverter may be a problem now.
As Loren pointed out - too much fuel can wash down cylinders and fill oil to super thin - not good for level and doesn't lubricate well. Not good either way.
At a minimum I'd change oil at once completely and check for fuel in oil.
A maybe for why it waited is that oil returns to pan passively (not powered back but drains back from higher spots in engine) and while running there's an amount in limbo if you will in the course of returning and would return faster when warmed up fully. Doesn't take a lot of oil burning to make quite a scene.
Get right on this. There are a few possiblilites as Loren mentioned how to check for. I wouldn't hesitate to pay for another expert opinion and check for all possible damage so you know up front as best you can but don't leave it with gas in oil or too full now,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 18, 2010, 1:24 PM
Post #4 of 4
(5039 views)
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Re: 1997 Toyota Camry head gasket/smoke
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I agree with both of these guys. Resolving the over filled oil and finding the reason for it are the top priorities here.
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