Manual transmission issues aside, here is my last problem with my 1983 240D. I had new valve stem seals ($400) put in a few weeks ago to stop the oil burn rate of 1 qt every 450 miles. I left instructions that if in their professional opinion the seals alone would not solve the problem, to go ahead and do a complete valve job. After I got it back and testing it, I am still burning 1 qt per 450 miles. The new seals didn't do an ounce of good.

I have good compression - 400 in 3 cylinders and 380 in the other. Questions:

1. How can I tell if the mechanic actually did the job I paid for? I can't see any visible signs that the bolts were removed to the valve cover or the throttle linkage was removed. If I remove the valve cover, can a person (remeber I'm not expert DIYer) tell the condition of valve seals, if new seals are installed?

2. Can oil rings be bad and still have the above good compression numbers? Is there an easy miracle juice or fix that will help oil rings expand? How about valve seals?

3. Should I have a complete valve job done? Would a valve job solve the oil burn problem or would something more need to be done such as a ring job or total rebuild?

The car runs fine every day, no oil leaks on the driveway, starts right up, shuts right down, it's just all the death threats I get from the people behind me in traffic that bothers me!

Thanks, Tim