valve seals?

[QuickAudi at aol.com]

The answer is yes, your valve seals are going.  My '86 is having similar troubles.  One good way to check to be absolutely positive: have a buddy follow you up and down a few hills somewhere.  Coast downhill, then romp on it going up the hill.  Obviously, the pressure would force oil past the seals, giving you a smoke that you can't miss.  If it's there, you know for sure.  It should only be about a 4 hour job for a good technician.  Price range will vary, but I think $250 for the seals and then labor should cover it.  Somebody feel free to correct the prices.


Joel Liggins
1986 5kCSQ  Konis all around, Ronal R7 w/ Dunlop SP9000



Symptoms: 
a. 91 200TQ goes through about 1/2 quart of oil per month 
b. puff of smoke every time when car is started
c. car has 176K miles

At first, I thought it was a crankcase ventilation problem - I replaced the
crankcase breather hose, but still have to top off the oil periodically.
I'm thinking it could be worn valve seals.  Does this sound reasonable?  How
could I confirm this?  What else should I look for?  If it is valve seals,
is this a big job?  What would a ball-park cost be?

Thanks,

Ken