I have a 2003 Avalon with 200,000 miles that runs great with a very cold A/C and idles smooth. It has a slight leak from the valve covers as well as the seals around the timing belt which has about 90000 miles on it. I can smell burning oil when I have the A/C set to get outside air. After two oil changes I put the AT-205 additive in it each time but it still leaks. I saw no difference. It does not leak enough to add oil between changing but I am concerned about oil getting on the timing belt and the possibility of fire. It has a non interference engine. With the cost of the new and used cars being so high right now, should I just go ahead and get it fixed and buy another car later?
I would live with it. Realize that whatever you put into that car is worth nothing when you wanna sell it.
I would rather spend 2 grand to fix what I have than spend 40-50 grand for a new headache.
nah. I would consider fixing the valve cover leak but that's it.
May I ask, why just the valve cover leak, why not the seals? The seals seem like it is more pertinent.
@kaizen I could be wrong but valve covers are cheap/easy to fix. The timing cover is usually more involved, and he says he doesn't loose much oil.
Gotcha.
I actually had the same problem on my 1999 Honda Accord. Valve Cover Gasket leaking, and possible rear main seal leak, and not losing too much oil. I just changed the valve cover gasket and tried AT-205 for the rear main seal. It practically stopped the leak.
This is a general principle. Always fix or rule out the simple stuff first and then see where you are.
If you plan to drive it a long time, it might be worth it. I am guessing that the Avalon can go another 100k, at least.
I recommend looking into possible failure points of the Avalon in the future. If there really isn't much, it might be worth a fix. But if there are a bunch of failure points that go beyond basic maintenance, then it might be worth spending $2K elsewhere.
