Seals on '90 V6 Camry: how many, how much $$, how hard to replace

[colbydmay]

The wife's Camry has begun to leak oil at a pretty good clip. Noticed the other day some smoke coming off the engine, so I poked around a little bit. Looks like there's several oily places on the engine, so I'm thinking some seals/gaskets are going bad (probably have never been replaced...car has 115K miles on it). Anybody with a '90 (or similar) V6 Camry know how much this might set me back? And should I go ahead and get the timing belt done at the same time?

Thanks for your thoughts, all.

[Enigmaglc]

I had a similar problem before. Sounds like a head gasket. DYI is tough but if you have the tools and time its ok. Dealers charge approx 300.00 depending on labor. A local garage can do it for a little less. Get the timing belt changed to!!!! Already way past its time

[yotatechie04]

I'd say head gasket, but it could also be a valve cover gasket as well. I know that you will save yourself an assload on doing it yourself, but if you don't have the tools, you'll be paying just about as much for the tools to do it as you would just taking it somewhere and having it done. Valve cover gaskets are relatively easy to replace, only requires a ratchet and socket, although the head gasket is a little more difficult.

[corvair]

i'm sure you will need a rear valvecover gasket and the intake plenum will have to be removed to get to it. good time to change those plugs too
have the engine cleaned then check, if one gasket or seal is bad the others arn't far behind.