94 Camry LE @ 150K ... rear main seal ?

[94CamryLE150k]

Hello everyone.
Ok, I just bought a 1994 Camry LE (4 cyl) coupe. I would say that I stole the car for $1,000 (that's what a mechanic told me too).
Anyways, it needs some TLC (valve cover, engine drive belts, timing belt ... ).

Here is the issue. It has a leak from the rear main engine seal (the one between the engine and transmission), and I have been told that it may be a 6-8 hr job, costing upto $800.
The leak doesn't seem to be bad, having driven it for about 300 miles now with no noticable decrease in the oil dipstick reading (keep in mind that the valve cover is leaking along with some other seals).
My question is, should I even consider doing that 8 hr job (I don't want to spend $800 for just that), or can I just monitor the oil level every now and then ?

Overall, it is a great ride, and it feels Much better than my last car ('97 Altima GXE at 90k).

Thanks for your input in advance.

PS: How much should I pay to do the;
1. Valve cover gasket
2. Timing belt
3. Water pump
4. Crank gasket
5. Oil pan gasket
6. A/C belt
7. Serepentine (?)/ Power steering belt
Also, while I'm at it, are the hood struts something I can replace myself, or does a mech. have to do that ?
Thanks

[csaxon]

It may not be the rear main seal. The o ring for the distributor may be leaking in the same vicinity. That's more common. After re-reading your post you mention other oil leaks.

Clean the engine etc the best you can so that you can identify leaks easier. Follow your leaks from the top down to see where they flow.

[94CamryLE150k]

Originally Posted by csaxon

It may not be the rear main seal. The o ring for the distributor may be leaking in the same vicinity. That's more common. After re-reading your post you mention other oil leaks.

Clean the engine etc the best you can so that you can identify leaks easier. Follow your leaks from the top down to see where they flow.

Hey CS Axon.
Thanks for the input budy.
I will definately do just that. I'm not planning on doing that rear seal (if that's what it turns out to be) unless I absolutely have to. I was planning on doing al the other work first (seals and belt), giving the car a nice cleaning on the bottom and take it from there. I was just not sure how critical the rear main seal was (didn't want to blow the tranny or engine).
You know what, since you've mentioned it, the guy that initially checked the car (when I was buying it) did mention that there was some oil leaking "into" the distributor, and that sooner or later it might cove the spark plugs.
I don't claim to know much about cars (i'm a student), but would this be inline with what you were saying about the distributor o-ring leak ?
Thanks man.

[Mike Gerber]

Change the cam cover gasket yourself. It is really one of the easiest jobs you can do on the 4 cylinder 5SFE engine. You will need a 30MM socket and a racket wrench, although a good torque wrench is better. Just pull off the 4 spark plug wires and you will see the 4 30MM nuts that hold the cam cover on. ThHere are just a few other obvious things to remove. Then look to see if the leaks have stopped.

As far as the other stuff, I would say have it done all at once and the total cost should be around $500-$600 aftermarket. You can also check on line with Toyota dealers in your area for coupons. Many offer specials on timing belt replacement for around $200 for the 4 cylinder. The 2 outer accessory belts (there is no serpintine belt on this engine) have to come off to get at the timing belt so there so be no extra labor charge for that. Just the cost of the 2 accessory belts themselves. Add in the parts cost of the water pump and the seals you have mentioned and then maybe 2 additional hours for labor to install all the extras and you should have it. Call around and get a few quotes at dealers and independant shops in your area.

Mike


PS:Try this site for some dealer coupons:
http://www.toyotacoupons.com/UI/Deal...lerSearch.aspx

[ProMan]

It's not an easy task. You need to remove the tranny so you need some equipment to accomplish the job easier, like lift, tranny stand, engine hanger, etc. Unless you have access to these, I suggest you let a shop do it.

The 6-8 hour is for a professional mechanic. For a home mechanic, it will take you much much longer and the risk to injure yourself is not low.

It will be expensive to fix, but it's good for the engine, as well as the environment (less pollution from the engine oil). If you want to keep the car (Camry is great), better do it earlier, or it can cause other problems.

[Jimbello]

I am about to replace the rear main crankshaft oil seal in mine. I understand that it can be done two ways. Removal of the engine and trans as one unit then separate etc. OR: Removal of the transmission only, then flywheel and so on.
Which is the most efficient or easiest method? Can someone advise?

Jim.