Three Questions

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:10 pm

I need to replace the valve steam seals in my Starion, its very embarrassing in traffic when you cover three lanes of cars in thick white smoke. What is involved in replacing these?

If its cheaper to replace the entire head, does the engine in a Starion need to be removed completely to do this?

My Starion has a stupidly huge camber angle on the rear wheels, I get so little grip, I went to jump start it, and the rear wheels just skidded instead of starting the engine. Its going to be used for drag not track, so I want to change the camber angle to suit, this will also let me drive in the wet. Is this easily doable? Once again curious as to what is involved with this.

decoy · Post by **decoy** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:20 pm

i beleive i read u can change the valve stem seals with only needing to take the rocker cover off. I think u needed a special tool for something to do with the valves tho. if not, taking the head off isn't that hard, definately don't need to take the engine out. unless the smoke is caused due to piston probs like rings :(

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:27 pm

Its definately valve seals, and thanks for that, put my mind to rest.

Only smokes when engine is idling and under vacuum and only happens occasionally - so effected by engine temp I imgaine, and goes away as soon as I rev the engine above 3000. Smoke is very light coloured white. No smoke at all under boost.

Thats good to hear, means its a cheap repair job. Just buy some new seals, take it to a garage, have them fit them. Benefit of a SOHC head, I only need 8 seals haha score

Whats the difference between a normal head and a Jet? Mine has MCA Jet written on the back, so I imagine thats what it is, just curious as to what it means.

Still concerned about that camber angle, anyone have any ideas?

Cookiemonster · Post by **Cookiemonster** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:29 pm

Valve stem seals can be changed with the head on the car. You need a suitable valve spring compressor to do this.

You need to remove the valve cover and the cam.

You also need a way of holding up the valves so they don't drop into the cylinder. This is usually done by applying compressed air into the spark-plug hole. Alternatively you can feed nylon rope into the cylinder to do this.

The seals can be changed within a day if you know what your doing. If it's your first time then allow a whole weekend.

Post by **Alspos** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:32 pm

Mechanic should be able to do it for $100 (Quote to do my V8 was $200!)

Is your car lowered heaps? If so, theres part of the problem. There is an adjustment on the lower arm of the rear suspension, not sure if it will help, but have a suspension place adjust stuff like that.

You may also have something bent?

ProZac · Post by **ProZac** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:35 pm

Nylon rope! had not thought of that, brilliant!

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:10 pm

There was damage to the driveline, but that was all replaced. Both wheels have the same camber angle, looks like it was meant to be.

Car is stock standard, original suspension

When the driveline was replaced the guy went over everything, and he said the entire suspension setup was still rock hard and in near perfect condition.

I think I just need to have it adjusted.

Thanks for answering the questions guys!

Just got a blob of cash in, so I should be getting on to this soon.

CussCuss · Post by **CussCuss** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:33 pm

ok i might be wrong here, but isnt valve stem seals smoke supposed to be blue, the oil leaks down when you idle and there is not much smoke but once you take off theres a plume of blue smoke. Thats how it was on another car of mine anyway.

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:38 pm

Well I haven't analysed the smoke colour, it happens when I least expect it.

ONLY happens on idle,
absolutely craploads of smoke everywhere
only happens once and a while (not all the time)
hit the gas, get a big puff as it clears itself then perfectly clean with no exhaust smoke at all. I mean at all, this car never smokes at all except for this.

Only thing I can think of is valve seals. But yes I didn't mention the 'puff' earlier, normally its not noticable as there is soooo much smoke, we're talking people behind me can't see.

The 'plume' produces more smoke, but there is craploads just on idle. Very rare, but when it happens its very very embarrassing. I think probably all eight have worn out. Its quite extreme.

Barney · Post by **Barney** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 3:52 pm

sounds like turbo oil seal to me!

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:27 pm

ahhh nuts
well wastegate is giving me issues
might just replace the whole thing

anyone got a TC05 for sale?

How can I be sure which one it is?

scum · Post by **scum** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:30 pm

turbo :x :(

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:33 pm

ok next question

is there any other turbos that just bolt on other than a TC05. I can't afford to redo flanges etc and if I replace it, might as well be with something with a bit more balls.

tmz_99 · Post by **tmz_99** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:38 pm

TC06 - bigger too

SpidersWeb · Post by **SpidersWeb** » Thu Feb 12, 2004 4:43 pm

Yeah but does it just literally bolt on?

Also are you guys sure its the turbo? Its white not blue (well it didn't look blue to me, but it happens so rarely I haven't had a chance to check).

How can you tell - e.g. there must be slightly different symptoms

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