[Jannybee]

So I took my LSP (usually refers to my Little Silver Pajero, but I've noticed more and more smoke after idling at traffic lights in the much-hated Joburg traffic so it's currently being referred to as my Little Smokin' Pajero) into Mitsubishi Sandton for a 70point check. (I don't know any independents close by )

When I collected my LSP they gave me an eye-watering Estimate for what they reckon needs to be done. I said thanks and left. I'm seriously not mechanically-inclined and really don't know what questions I'm supposed to ask when presented with this kind of thing.

One of the items was "Overhaul Engine R27,000"

Please advise I what I should ask and what I should do going forward. Please don't all tell me to rush off to Mitspro in Centurion as this is logistically not possible for the next few weeks.

Thanks in advance guys.

[Jannybee]

PS LSP is a 2000 SWB 3.0 V6 petrol just short of 300,000 kms on clock

[4ePajero]

Tell us a bit more of the smoking habits.

99% of the time a 3.0 V6 smokes due to worn valve stem seals, which requires a quick and relatively cheap fix.

I would book an appointment with Mitspro in Centurion and ask Freek for a diagnosis.

PS You can recondition the V6 twice for R27k !

[4ePikanini]

yes. R27'000 is steep for a rebuild which is probably not necessary.

Those engines will do 500k easily provided they don't overheat or run without oil.

I also think it's the valve stem seals.

Do the test - look for a long downhill. Coast down the hill in gear and just before you get to the bottom give full throttle and check the rear view mirror. If you get a big puff of smoke and the clears it's valve stem seals.

[Freshman]

If you don't mind me hi-jacking this post but sure Jannybee will also benefit.

Due to the input from you guys I "proofed" my smoking at robots, to be value stem seals and hope it will "only" be Jannybee's problem as well.

But I need the low down on having the seals done.
I read somewhere that it doesn't help to only do the seals but that the value guides must also be done.
1. Is this true?
2. If it is true, does the head have to come off to do those?
3. Or is there a way of doing it without removing the head and if so - would most machanics know how to do that?

Thanks a lot
Pierre

[4ePikanini]

I don't think the valve guides need to be done as well. With the valve stem seals leaking the guides get extra lube so wear is minimized.

I would just do the seals. The heads do not have to come off but I wouldn't classify this as a DIY job. It's a real PITA!

I did mine as DIY on the 3.2 Di-D and I vowed to never do it myself again - unless I fork out and buy the proper tools to ease the job.

[Freshman]

Thanks Marius, for the record I don't attempt more than changing the oil and filters myself

What parts do I need to have the seals done (except for the seals)? Gaskets etc?
Reason why I'm asking is that I normally buy all the parts myself and then just pay labour. That way I know what goes in.
So I need to make sure there is no extra down-time half-way through the job when the Mac suddenly need a part which the Agents say "sorry 6 weeks".

Once again I'm sure Jannybee will benefit from this info.

[HBannink]

To do valve stem seals without opening the heads is possible I did it in dec with the engine out for a clutch overhaul. I have done this on a number of engines in the past and things went smoothly, on the pajero.............NEVER AGAIN.....it was the worst mission I have come across even with all the tools at my disposal. Valve guides need an open engine to replace but the chances of them going in such a short span is not too big. You should not need much more than a couple of sem seals, new cam oil seals, and tapet cover gasgets.

As for a 27k overhaul quote....whew that is a lot a jap runner is less than half of that. you mentioned one factor that can hike the price though "Mitsubishi Sandton"

[Jannybee]

Hi guys

Apologies for the delay in responding to your replies - been working up at Pafuri (tough life, but someone has to do it ).

Thanks so much for the responses. I don't mind the "hi-jacking" - am always keen to see what else is out there.

I notice the smoke once the engine has warmed up and been idling at traffic lights (of which there are way too many down Rivonia Road!) and then pulling away from the lights. It doesn't matter how hard or soft I accelerate away from the lights. The smoke appears.

I'll try the downhill exercise this weekend and check. My gut feel is that the problem is as simple as what you're all saying and I'm hoping the car gods (not the car guards ) agree. I really am convinced that Dealership "Service" consultants prey on women like me who have very little, okay, NO mechanical idea. I hate that!!

I'm trying to find time to get to Mitspro and hope they can fit me in before I have to hit the road next week for the long drive to Rocktail

Thanks again
Janet