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Question

I have a 95 Geo Prizm with 166,000 miles. It has an oil leak. I had a mechanic check it and these were the problem areas according to him: Leaking valve cover gasket,distributor seal,cam seal, & crank seal. He suggested a new timing belt and water pump, then checking the rear main seal and oil pan gasket a couple of month later. Does this sound reasonable? I think the rear struts are worn. Interior is showing wear. The body is fine. Is it time to put this thing out to pasture or is it worth fixing? Blue book is only $1200 give or take. Are the repairs something a novice could do over the course of several weeks?

Submitted: 26 days and 2 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $13
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 1995
Make (other): geo
Model: prizm (base)
Engine: 1.6

Already Tried:
Just getting professional opinions before I attempt anything.

Posted by chrytech 26 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

hello, if it were me and i got a list like that i would start with the valve cover gasket. if that takes care of the leak which it might seeing how thats the highest point and those other things may look like they are leaking when its just oil running from the valve cover gasket.

 

if the valve cover gasket fixes it then you are good, you can consider the timing belt and water pump but honestly if the pump isnt leaking and the motor runs good i wouldnt mess with it, as a repair like that will end up costing about half of what the car is worth.

26 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

What is your opinion of the gasket sealers such as Thermagasket or K&W block sealer for fixing something like this? Is the valve cover gasket something a novice like myself could do otherwise?

Thanks.

Accepted Answer

i dont like the thought of adding those type of sealers myself, because whats to say they dont seal off an oil passage in the motor.

 

the valve cover gasket is a very simple job and as long as you have some hand tools you should be able to do it yourself. i look and see if i have the procedure for you.

 

 

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Expert: chrytech
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/27/2009

ASE Certified Technician

10+years experience in GM and chrysler

Posted by chrytech 26 days and 1 hours ago.

Answer

unfortunately i dont have a procedure for you but the valve cover is what covers the top of the engine and is very simple to remove.

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