I started the 91 GTA yesterday and saw white smoke coming out of the back of my car.

From previous posts it looks like I have bad seals. Is this a correct assumption? (or is it coolant?)

Can someone provide some details about my problem?

How much is this going to cost to get fixed by a mechanic? What parts do I need? Do I need to have the inside of my engine cleaned out? Will there be any problem if I let my car run for another couple of weeks without getting it fixed right away? (just idling in the driveway)

Thanks,
Bill

 

Blueish/white smoke at start up in very common, normally it's an indication of bad valve seals. GM has a TSB about the problem and a fix kit. They switch to a positive umbrella seal and use a viton insert. The part # is 12511890 for the kit. Labor will average anywhere from $300-500 for the job. As far as operating the car it is fine, you could run it forever that way.

 

You guys wanna come up and do it for me for some free beer? It would save me $500

Bill

 

Is it the same part number for the 305 and 350?

Calling GM dealerships, it looks like they want like $52 for the part, and $600 for labor. GEEZ

-Bill

 

Another dealer says i need new valve cover gaskets as well as the kit. (He hasn't looked at my car, I just gave him the part number and asked for an estimate on the installation.) Do I need this part? Are there any other parts I need?

This guy wants $900 for parts and labor. Holy ****. Looks like I'm going to a local mechanic, and I hope he doesn't screw up my car.

 

Local mech want's 650 (not including parts), and he's the cheapest guy around. -slams head on desk-

 

Bill, how many miles do you have on your motor? If it's over
75,000 you may consider pulling the heads and getting a valve
job at the same time. Or getting those aftermarket heads you know
you always wanted.....

If you decide to just do seals, you will need valve cover gaskets
because the valve covers have to come off to get to the seals.
(BTW, is an excellent time to change those fatigued valve springs).
You can go aftermarket for valve seals (intake Fel-Pro PN#ss72527
and exhaust Fel-Pro PN#ss72877), and valve cover gaskets are
PN#vs50088r for the good Permatorque gaskets.

 

The car has under 50K on it. M. Hall, now you made me excited. I called the mechanic back and asked how much he'd charge to install all kinds of new goodies on my top end.

It looks like I might be going with aftermarket heads, a new cam, and a new throttle body.

I'm going to move to a new thread, so I can ask some questions about redoing my top end. Look for it!

Bill

 

 

this kit #12511890 does it come with 16 umbrella seals, or just 8 for intakes? are they a direct fit, no machining of the guides required? How would I order after market ones that are a direct fit?