*HTML is OFF *UBB Code is ON Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
If you have previously registered, but forgotten your password, click here.
T O P I C R E V I E WVirgo-AriesArtistJust want to let go of this yo-yo trip I've been going through lately, which way is up again?...I'm not sure what to chalk it off too: Neptune/Chiron transiting 12th house and opposing Moon/Mars, Uranus sitting on my Ascendant right now, Jupiter heading through the 1st house...I am feeling I want to shift directions, but the steps seem overwhelming or too freakin' far away. I am inspired with lots of ideas, so that is a bonus, but then my car has the audacity to go and need over a thousand dollars in repairs due to major oil leaks, and I am not feeling safe behind the wheel of it. Since I just put a new(er) transmission in it only a year ago to the tune of fifteen hundred dollars (which I had to borrow from a family member), this just seems like the straw that breaks the camel's back. Do I put money into a black hole, but at least a "known devil", so to speak, or look for a used car with less miles and problems (I know, no guarantees) than my 14 year-old, 285,000 mile Camry where I've literally replaced everything but the engine since I acquired it 3.5 year ago as a gift?I need wheels to make my business work and make more moolah to pay for either option...I'm placing my faith and trust in the Universe, and I keep envisioning the solution just being done and expressing hte Gratitude, but a small voice in my head says, what are you doing? My mother even says, well, doesn't the Universe require you to do the steps and keep moving forward? Part of me knows she is right, but the other part of me wonders if it is working against the grain...::throws hands up in the air::I already don't sit still well, and this Aries energy is not creating a calming soothing influence on my psyche right now...Thanks for listening!PlutoSquaredAries energy is not easy to deal with... I sink it into debate. That makes me feel a lot better.CynnaredI think Aries should be kicked out of the zodiac or deleted. Worst sign ever. Got earth in your chart? Do things to nurture the earth in your chart and maybe you'll feel grounded.juniperbHi Kat quote:than my 14 year-old, 285,000 mile Camry where I've literally replaced everything but the engine since I acquired it 3.5 year ago as a gift? Thats a tough one and playing the devils advocate here. It was a gift (free) and you sunk money into it as one would a high milage older car. What is the bluebook value of the car?Have you had a reputable mechanic look at it to determine if it is worth the investments of repair ie with that many miles on it, is the engine worth other repairs to keep it on the road? Just some questions I would ponder.good to see you!!------------------~The Earth Laughs In Flowers~... EmersonPlutoSquared quote:Originally posted by Cynnared:I think Aries should be kicked out of the zodiac or deleted. Worst sign ever. Got earth in your chart? Do things to nurture the earth in your chart and maybe you'll feel grounded.Aren't you an Aries???teaselAries can be extremely positive. It can be strong energy, sure, but doesn't have to be bad. You can find something to love and hate about all of the signs.*edit. Sorry, VAA, I don't know what to say. If you don't feel safe behind the wheel, then I think you should find something more reliable. CynnaredI have a heavy Earth influence in my chart in signs and also house positions. I should have been born a Capricorn or a Virgo. Virgo-AriesArtistCynnared, I *do* have Earth in my chart: Sun/Merc/Mars in Virgo and Neptune in Capricorn, but feel overwhelmed by the Fire at the moment...Doing grounding things sounds like an excellent idea, thanks juni, the bluebook value of the car is around $2200...I did have a reputable mechanic look at it, and they quoted me $1200. Another good mechanic said at the mileage, with the issues I described, said it wasn't worth fixing.BTW Cynna, don't wish being born a Virgo...it ain't a cake-walk by any meansOn an upnote, my mother has offered my use of her oldest minivan as soon as it is repaired (she owns three, it's a long story). She said I can drive it as long as I need, and when I sell it, just repay her the repair costs and keep the remainder for purchase of next car. I think depending what I get from that sale, plus when I sell my car (honestly, if you could do the labor yourself, it's a less than $500 fix), I should have enough for a decent set of wheels.I feel a little more optimistic...and every little bit helps!jwhopVAA, I don't know who your "reputable mechanic" is but repairing oil leaks is not a $1200 job...unless the rear main crankshaft seal is leaking badly. in that case, the transmission may need to be removed to replace the seal.If the engine runs smoothly and quietly, meaning no engine clatter, if it doesn't smoke out of the tailpipe, has good oil pressure and generally performs well...then perhaps it's worth fixing the "common" oil leaks.If the engine wasn't wiped down..or better, steam cleaned, it's almost impossible to tell where the oil is coming from. When oil leaks from the engine or transmission or power steering hoses, the air moving through the engine compartment when you're driving blows that leaking oil all over the engine, transmission and frame. When you stop, the oil drips off the lowest points.You didn't say where the oil is leaking from but here's the usual suspects and there's only one that is more difficult to fix. That's the Rear Main Crankshaft Oil Seal.Valve cover gasket(s)Oil pan gasketTransmission pan gasket...auto transmissionPower steering hosesFront timing cover sealDip stick guide O ringTransmission output shaft sealSpeedometer cable O ring...if so equippedTransmission cooler lines..if so equippedSometimes stopping oil leaks is as simple as re-tightening valve cover, transmission pan and oil pan bolts which vibrate loose over years of operation.Another common problem relating to oil leaks is a plugged Positive Crankcase Ventilator Valve..PCV. These should be replaced periodically or pressure will build up in the crankcase and that will blow engine oil out of every orifice.Considering what I've already said, you might want to start your engine and let it warm up. Then, remove the oil filler cap..where you add engine oil. If there is white smoke or any smoke coming out there, either your positive crankcase ventilator system is plugged or, the engine is producing more blow by than the PCV system can handle. Either one of these situations will pressurize your oil pan and blow engine oil out through your gaskets and dipstick tube.A PCV valve costs "about" 10 bucks or so and is easy to replace. On the other hand, if you're getting smoke out of your oil filler cap and it's not a plugged PCV valve then the compression rings on your pistons are probably worn out and engine compression is blowing by your piston rings into the oil pan which will pressurize your oil pan and blow oil out of every engine orifice.If the Rear Main Crankshaft Seal is leaking badly, it's an expensive repair..almost all labor charge. It's not worth having them replaced given the age and mileage of your Camry. Instead..IF this is the problem with your "oil leak", you might want to buy a bottle of Bar's Leak Rear Main Seal which is a conditioner made to rejuvenate dried out and shrunken seals. You can read about Bar's Leak here http://www.barsproducts.com/1050.htm All the other gaskets and O rings are pretty easy to replace...if they need to be replaced.But, if the compression rings on your pistons are worn out...forget about it. That means an engine overhaul.As you can see, there are multiple possibilities for an oil leak problem. The very first thing a "good mechanic" would do is remove your oil filler cap and check for excessive crankcase pressure/smoke...then check your PVC valve. If all is well there, the engine needs to be cleaned so the source of the leaking oil can be spotted.This is probably a hell of a lot more than you wanted to know about "oil leaks". PlutoSquaredI used to feel that way about Aries energy, until I realized the pitfalls of all the other signs... and that ultimately, everything is O.K.Finding avenues to burn off the fire is my best suggestion - whether combative sports, debate, writing, or just getting into a playful wrestling match with someone - these are all great outlets for Mars influences.I wouldn't change my sign. I wouldn't change how I was created, or my life purpose.Virgo-AriesArtistjwhop,Thanks a bunch for your detailed explanation of oil leak conditions, the Virgo in me did appreciate the thoroughness I will definitely try your suggestions as far as testing the reactions of the car. BTW, the oil had leaked and soaked the Timing Belt, and that is why they recommended replacing it.Asa a sidenote, here is what my estimate included:*Parts*Timing Belt - 59.00Oil Pump Cover Gasket and Seal kit - 27.65Camshaft Seal - 27.40Valve Cover Gasket - 63.40Power Steering Fluid - 2.54Rack and Pinion - 244.30*Labor*Remove and Replace Timing Belt, oil pump cover gasket and seal, crank and cam seals - 393.15Remove and Replace valve cover gasket - 78.63Remove and Replace steering gear (complete) - 235.89Hazardous materials - 10.00juniperbTime for some more trustworthy wheels Kat!That`s just too much wrong with the car to repair vs it`s potential life expectancy.------------------~The Earth Laughs In Flowers~... EmersonVirgo-AriesArtistThanks, juni! I figured as much, but it is sad to say goodbye to my first car... It's a great car if someone is handy with repairs, so it's worth selling, no? I was thinking of asking $1000 cause the car is full of all other new parts, and the parts to fix it total less than $440...jwhopVAA, I'm having a hard time getting my mind around a leaking rack and pinion. These are sealed units and usually, there are no leaks unless the casing..housing is cracked. Hoses yes.As for the oil pump gasket and seals...as well as the camshaft seal and crankshaft seal, how was it determined they are leaking? The highest leaking point is the valve cover gasket and from there, oil runs down the engine block and coats everything below.Are you sure all this work needs to be done to fix YOUR OIL LEAK? Nevertheless, if you've made up your mind to get another car, good luck with it. Virgo-AriesArtistSo, what you are saying, jwhop, is that I should RE-consider how the estimate sounds, it being in the shadow of Merc Rx and all? And perhaps RE-evaluate whether I need a new vehicle at the end of the Retro when all the fuzziness is gone?I would love to save my Camry, but only if it's not opening myself up to more major repairs down the road...this car has already cost me 9-10 grand since I got it in repairs and maintenance, since when I got it, it still had essentially original parts at 240,000 miles...jwhopI would caution anyone not to make decisions or go forward with plans during a Merc RX. What throws me about your major expense...the rack and pinion is that if it were leaking lots of fluid you would know. Someone has to have been pouring power steering fluid into the reservoir or you would be hearing lots of groaning every time you turned the steering wheel....if it's really leaking enough to to be a problem.It's easy to give advice one doesn't have to live with personally. If it were me, I'd put on some old clothes, grab an old towel and drive to a self serve car wash. Put the towel in the open end of the air cleaner, set the wash controls to degrease...or engine clean then wash down the front, sides and rear of the engine and the engine compartment...then rinse. Once you get all the old oil and grease off, you can see where any new oil is coming from. Don't spray water on your distributor or, your car might not start!Beyond that, you might want to consider taking your car to another reputable shop to find out what's up with the oil leak(s).Anyway, that's what I would do first and then make your decision after Merc goes direct. jwhopDPPlutoSquaredBump
I am feeling I want to shift directions, but the steps seem overwhelming or too freakin' far away. I am inspired with lots of ideas, so that is a bonus, but then my car has the audacity to go and need over a thousand dollars in repairs due to major oil leaks, and I am not feeling safe behind the wheel of it. Since I just put a new(er) transmission in it only a year ago to the tune of fifteen hundred dollars (which I had to borrow from a family member), this just seems like the straw that breaks the camel's back. Do I put money into a black hole, but at least a "known devil", so to speak, or look for a used car with less miles and problems (I know, no guarantees) than my 14 year-old, 285,000 mile Camry where I've literally replaced everything but the engine since I acquired it 3.5 year ago as a gift?
I need wheels to make my business work and make more moolah to pay for either option...I'm placing my faith and trust in the Universe, and I keep envisioning the solution just being done and expressing hte Gratitude, but a small voice in my head says, what are you doing? My mother even says, well, doesn't the Universe require you to do the steps and keep moving forward? Part of me knows she is right, but the other part of me wonders if it is working against the grain...
::throws hands up in the air::
I already don't sit still well, and this Aries energy is not creating a calming soothing influence on my psyche right now...
Thanks for listening!
Got earth in your chart? Do things to nurture the earth in your chart and maybe you'll feel grounded.
quote:than my 14 year-old, 285,000 mile Camry where I've literally replaced everything but the engine since I acquired it 3.5 year ago as a gift?
Thats a tough one and playing the devils advocate here. It was a gift (free) and you sunk money into it as one would a high milage older car. What is the bluebook value of the car?Have you had a reputable mechanic look at it to determine if it is worth the investments of repair ie with that many miles on it, is the engine worth other repairs to keep it on the road?
Just some questions I would ponder.
good to see you!!
------------------~The Earth Laughs In Flowers~... Emerson
quote:Originally posted by Cynnared:I think Aries should be kicked out of the zodiac or deleted. Worst sign ever. Got earth in your chart? Do things to nurture the earth in your chart and maybe you'll feel grounded.
Aren't you an Aries???
*edit. Sorry, VAA, I don't know what to say. If you don't feel safe behind the wheel, then I think you should find something more reliable.
Doing grounding things sounds like an excellent idea, thanks
juni, the bluebook value of the car is around $2200...I did have a reputable mechanic look at it, and they quoted me $1200. Another good mechanic said at the mileage, with the issues I described, said it wasn't worth fixing.
BTW Cynna, don't wish being born a Virgo...it ain't a cake-walk by any means
On an upnote, my mother has offered my use of her oldest minivan as soon as it is repaired (she owns three, it's a long story). She said I can drive it as long as I need, and when I sell it, just repay her the repair costs and keep the remainder for purchase of next car. I think depending what I get from that sale, plus when I sell my car (honestly, if you could do the labor yourself, it's a less than $500 fix), I should have enough for a decent set of wheels.
I feel a little more optimistic...and every little bit helps!
If the engine runs smoothly and quietly, meaning no engine clatter, if it doesn't smoke out of the tailpipe, has good oil pressure and generally performs well...then perhaps it's worth fixing the "common" oil leaks.
If the engine wasn't wiped down..or better, steam cleaned, it's almost impossible to tell where the oil is coming from. When oil leaks from the engine or transmission or power steering hoses, the air moving through the engine compartment when you're driving blows that leaking oil all over the engine, transmission and frame. When you stop, the oil drips off the lowest points.
You didn't say where the oil is leaking from but here's the usual suspects and there's only one that is more difficult to fix. That's the Rear Main Crankshaft Oil Seal.
Valve cover gasket(s)Oil pan gasketTransmission pan gasket...auto transmissionPower steering hosesFront timing cover sealDip stick guide O ringTransmission output shaft sealSpeedometer cable O ring...if so equippedTransmission cooler lines..if so equipped
Sometimes stopping oil leaks is as simple as re-tightening valve cover, transmission pan and oil pan bolts which vibrate loose over years of operation.
Another common problem relating to oil leaks is a plugged Positive Crankcase Ventilator Valve..PCV. These should be replaced periodically or pressure will build up in the crankcase and that will blow engine oil out of every orifice.
Considering what I've already said, you might want to start your engine and let it warm up. Then, remove the oil filler cap..where you add engine oil. If there is white smoke or any smoke coming out there, either your positive crankcase ventilator system is plugged or, the engine is producing more blow by than the PCV system can handle. Either one of these situations will pressurize your oil pan and blow engine oil out through your gaskets and dipstick tube.
A PCV valve costs "about" 10 bucks or so and is easy to replace. On the other hand, if you're getting smoke out of your oil filler cap and it's not a plugged PCV valve then the compression rings on your pistons are probably worn out and engine compression is blowing by your piston rings into the oil pan which will pressurize your oil pan and blow oil out of every engine orifice.
If the Rear Main Crankshaft Seal is leaking badly, it's an expensive repair..almost all labor charge. It's not worth having them replaced given the age and mileage of your Camry. Instead..IF this is the problem with your "oil leak", you might want to buy a bottle of Bar's Leak Rear Main Seal which is a conditioner made to rejuvenate dried out and shrunken seals. You can read about Bar's Leak here http://www.barsproducts.com/1050.htm
All the other gaskets and O rings are pretty easy to replace...if they need to be replaced.
But, if the compression rings on your pistons are worn out...forget about it. That means an engine overhaul.
As you can see, there are multiple possibilities for an oil leak problem. The very first thing a "good mechanic" would do is remove your oil filler cap and check for excessive crankcase pressure/smoke...then check your PVC valve. If all is well there, the engine needs to be cleaned so the source of the leaking oil can be spotted.
This is probably a hell of a lot more than you wanted to know about "oil leaks".
Finding avenues to burn off the fire is my best suggestion - whether combative sports, debate, writing, or just getting into a playful wrestling match with someone - these are all great outlets for Mars influences.
I wouldn't change my sign. I wouldn't change how I was created, or my life purpose.
Thanks a bunch for your detailed explanation of oil leak conditions, the Virgo in me did appreciate the thoroughness
I will definitely try your suggestions as far as testing the reactions of the car. BTW, the oil had leaked and soaked the Timing Belt, and that is why they recommended replacing it.
Asa a sidenote, here is what my estimate included:
*Parts*Timing Belt - 59.00Oil Pump Cover Gasket and Seal kit - 27.65Camshaft Seal - 27.40Valve Cover Gasket - 63.40Power Steering Fluid - 2.54Rack and Pinion - 244.30
*Labor*Remove and Replace Timing Belt, oil pump cover gasket and seal, crank and cam seals - 393.15
Remove and Replace valve cover gasket - 78.63
Remove and Replace steering gear (complete) - 235.89
Hazardous materials - 10.00
That`s just too much wrong with the car to repair vs it`s potential life expectancy.
As for the oil pump gasket and seals...as well as the camshaft seal and crankshaft seal, how was it determined they are leaking? The highest leaking point is the valve cover gasket and from there, oil runs down the engine block and coats everything below.
Are you sure all this work needs to be done to fix YOUR OIL LEAK?
Nevertheless, if you've made up your mind to get another car, good luck with it.
I would love to save my Camry, but only if it's not opening myself up to more major repairs down the road...this car has already cost me 9-10 grand since I got it in repairs and maintenance, since when I got it, it still had essentially original parts at 240,000 miles...
What throws me about your major expense...the rack and pinion is that if it were leaking lots of fluid you would know. Someone has to have been pouring power steering fluid into the reservoir or you would be hearing lots of groaning every time you turned the steering wheel....if it's really leaking enough to to be a problem.
It's easy to give advice one doesn't have to live with personally.
If it were me, I'd put on some old clothes, grab an old towel and drive to a self serve car wash. Put the towel in the open end of the air cleaner, set the wash controls to degrease...or engine clean then wash down the front, sides and rear of the engine and the engine compartment...then rinse. Once you get all the old oil and grease off, you can see where any new oil is coming from. Don't spray water on your distributor or, your car might not start!
Beyond that, you might want to consider taking your car to another reputable shop to find out what's up with the oil leak(s).
Anyway, that's what I would do first and then make your decision after Merc goes direct.
Copyright 2000-2023 Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000 Ultimate Bulletin Board Version 5.46a
Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000 Ultimate Bulletin Board Version 5.46a