I bought an '02 Stratus RT about two months ago. When driving it home, the person behind me noticed that it made some smoke after sitting at the many stop lights. The smoke was not blue, but just normal smoke.

However, my car drinks oil bad. I go through possibly 1 quart every 100-200 or so miles. I've ran engine cleaner through the engine as suggested by a mechanic... but it didn't do anything for the oil. I've personally changed the oil twice, both times using 5W-30.

I brought it to a shop and they said the only way for it to burn that much would probably be the valve seals. From what I know, that sounds about right.

My questions are these.

1. I'm by no means a mechanic, nor am I a wealthy person. I'm either doing this 700$ job by myself, or just letting it go, which isn't an option. So how hard is it really to do myself? I know how to change them pretty much, but I've never done it or saw it done. I have an uncle who is a mechanic, and he said he'd help me... but he just doesn't have the time I don't think. It would take him weeks to help me with it, and I use this car everyday.

2. Is there something more I should try first? I've thought about changing over to 10W-30, but I don't want to do that.

From what I know about my engine, I don't need to take my heads off, so it shouldn't be all that hard. My only real worry is that I'm getting ahead of myself and there's some other things I should try before taking my engine apart.

Suggestions for the inexperienced?

 

http://www.auto-rx.com/pages/applications.htm


If you do a google search, you'll find many postive results..(me included). I've run Rx thru the engine and transmission.

 

Before you do a lot of expensive work check the PCV valve and associated hoses. A stuck or clogged PCV valve can cause excessive oil consumption. Also check the PCV hoses, make sure they are clean and rubber is not deteriorating causing particles that can clog the PCV. Since this easy and cheep to check it’s worth a look.

If it does turn out to be Valve guide seals, you can use an air tank with an adaptor to pressurize the cylinders via the spark plug holes. Thss holds the valves in the closed position while you replace the seals. This eliminates removing the head.