97 Rav4 4WD smokes on startup

[camman]

I have a puff of smoke on my RAV for 1 or 2 seconds after startup after sitting all night which usually means valve seals need to be changed.
There are tools to do this ON the vehicle without removing the head. I have just under 70,000 miles but the 12 year age hase probably finished them. Has anyone here changed out these puppies on vehicle useing compressed air to keep vlaves in place etc?
Thanks

[bepperb]

The compressed air trick seems to work. I've also heard of people dropping rope into the sparkplug hole, then turning the crank to tdc on that cylinder and the rope holds the valves up.

Have you tried a high-mileage oil in a thicker, say 10w-30 visc to see if that helps?

[usedriceburner]

Another option is to go oldschool and buy a wrecked Rav4 for $700 from Copart. Then just take what you need off the wreck. Having a rav4 on blocks is the best way to save money but your neighbors wont be too thrilled. Used Rav 4 For Sale Used Toyota Rav4 Parts Cars Buy Good Luck Mike

[integraGSR]

Originally Posted by bepperb

The compressed air trick seems to work.

prob the best way. remove the spark plugs and use compressed air to hold up the vavles when you remove the springs.

[gosgirl]

Then just take what you need off the wreck. Having a rav4 on blocks is the best way to save money but your neighbors wont be too thrilled.