If I understand #3 correctly, you want to replace the intake/exhaust valve seals? I dont think this would be an easy job for a beginner to do. I know in the few engines that I have rebuilt, the whole head assembly will need to be taken off. Then you will need a "valve puller" to pull the valves off, then you replace the rubber seal and do the process again backwards. I find working with those valves getting them back in was a royal b****. The valve springs will keep bouncing back so you wont be able to get the valve keepers back in place to hold the valve back in !


For number one, that should be a simple 15 minute job.

And for number 2, I dont know where the leak is at, but it is probably a rubber line or gasket, so it shouldn't be too hard to fix.

Good luck

On some cars.. valve seals aren't that difficult. You don't have to remove the head.. Just the valve-cover, cam shaft and related hardware..  It' still NOT a weekend mechanic's task,, bit not really that serious.

I'd say.. if you don't have a good idea what's invloved (i.e. need to ask), I'd leave it to a pro.


Bigger question is:  Do you really need the seals ?

Post; make, model, year, mileage and why you think you need the valve seals...

Edit: oops.. I see it's a 1992 Tercel.  OK.. you're looking at a 15 year old car. Any amount of shop labor at all and you'll be approaching the car's total value..

Quote:


If it's white smoke then that is not oil burning. When oil burns it comes out a blueish smoke.

could be a sign of the head gasket going I believe. didn't rotty have a simmilar problem recently?

First, get a good repair manual for your particular auto(Hanes & Chilton are good).
Disk brake pads are easy enough for the weekend mechanic. Depending on what type of rotors you have, they may need replaced instead of having them turned. This would also be a good time to check the rubber brake lines, front suspension, steering ball joints, bearings, CV joints(Front wheel drive), and lubrication. ALso check the brake fluid. If it is dark or more than two years old it should be replaced.
Replacing power steering hoses may require some special tools. There is a high pressure and low pressure hose. The high pressure hose is generally a smaller diameter. The hoses are generally available at any good auto parts store. It would also be a good time to check the fluid for metal fragments or a 'silvery' color. This would indicate more repairs are in your future.
Valve seals can be changed without removing the cylinder head depending on the type of seal. Worn valve guides, on the other hand, cannot be changed without head removal. Spring removal tools can be rented. To change a seal remove the spark plug and insert a threaded air fitting the same size and thread as the spark plug. Turn the engine until that cylinder's piston is at top dead center. Now carefully fill the cylinder with enough compressed air to hold the valve closed but not so much as to move the piston. Depending on engine type remove valve rocker arm or camshaft. Remove spring and seal. Replace seal and install spring. Repeat for other cylinders.